HC Deb 12 January 1916 vol 77 c1577
5. Sir J. WALTON

asked whether the Admiralty have recently considered the respective requirements of the Navy and the mercantile marine in regard to output of tonnage from the shipyards; and are they satisfied that a proper proportion between the two services, based upon national needs, is being maintained?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The requirements of the mercantile marine are receiving the anxious attention of the Government. As my hon. Friend will recognise, the relative needs of the merchant service and the Navy are not capable of exact valuation.