§ 95. Mr. ALDENasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is yet in a position to state the steps that have been taken to ensure the supply of a larger number of new ships for the mercantile marine; and how far the pooling arrangements in the various shipbuilding centres have been successful?
Mr. RUNCIMANMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. It is not possible to state in detail all the measures that have been, and are being, taken to hasten the completion of new merchant ships. The main problems are 485 labour, material, and pressure of Admiralty work; but all the Departments concerned are working together, and considerable progress is being made. Pooling arrangements are at present in the initial stage, but I have every hope that they will be successful.