§ 79. Mr. ALDENasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the shortage of merchant vessels and the need for the completion of ships still on the stocks, he can see his way to secure that the completion of those unfinished and any further addition to the mercantile marine during the War should be placed in the hands of the Admiralty, and that all such ships should be taken over by the Government?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWQuestions relating to the completion of merchant ships on the stocks and the building of new ships are being dealt with by the Shipping Controller, who is working in conjunction with the Board of Trade and Admiralty.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the mismanagement in the use of shipping by the Admiralty, and that the shortage of food and high prices is largely due to that cause?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am aware that charge has frequently been made. I am aware also that the Shipping Controller is doing his best to look into it.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think it would probably be more convenient after the House reassembles, when there will be a representative of the Shipping Controller here, that they should be addressed to him.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the ships at the disposal of the Shipping Controller are likely to be reduced by the additional demands of the expedition to Salonika.?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question had better be put on the Paper.