§ 1. Commander BELLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state how many Allied and neutral merchant vessels, respectively, have been captured; and how many have been destroyed by the operations of the Germans in the North Sea against the shipping entering and leaving the ports of Holland since 16th June?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)I am not able to add to the statements of losses which appear in the newspapers as they occur.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the newspapers do not give a full account of the losses?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs far as I know, they do.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that four big lighters built for us in Holland were taken into Zeebrugge, captured by the Germans, and no announcement of any kind has ever been given on this side?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am not aware of it.
§ Commander WEDGWOODHave the Admiralty considered the advisability of building merchant steamers for this country?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAUnder the Amended Munitions of War Act merchant shipbuilding can be declared war work, and it has been so declared.
§ Commander WEDGWOODBy the Admiralty?
§ Dr. MACNAMARABy the Board of Trade, in consultation with the Admiralty.
§ Commander BELLAIRSMay I ask why the right hon. Gentleman cannot give the figures, and how can anybody reckon up these figures from the statements? Why not give the totals to the House?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI told my hon. Friend that the statement appeared in the newspapers.