19 and 25. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Minister of Munitions, in regard to the supply of new tonnage from Canada, whether an experienced firm of shipbuilders in British Columbia, who are capable of supplying a large number of wooden ships of approved design, and are willing at their own expense to enlarge their resources for production of tonnage and to build and deliver vessels on terms already approved, have not been given an opportunity of contracting; whether the Imperial Government are taking any, and what, steps to utilise to the full the shipbuilding resources of British Columbia; and whether all firms capable of producing tonnage are permitted to tender and allowed to contract for the delivery of ships?
The HON. MEMBERhad given notice of a similar question (No. 25) to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping.
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply, and I will at the same time answer Question No. 25. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on the 30th April to the hon. Member for St. Pancras. As I then indicated, we are endeavouring to avail ourselves of every opportunity of obtaining new tonnage of suitable type, and if my hon. Friend can let me have the name of any shipbuilding firm that appears to have been overlooked I 'will see that inquiries are at once made.
§ 27. Mr. FELLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if, in the event of the loss of a merchant ship and the consequent payment of the insurance money to the owners, any and, if so, what terms or conditions are made that the insurance money on the ship, apart from the cargo and freight, must be laid out or put aside to be laid out in the construction of shipping so soon as such is practicable?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYNo terms or conditions of the nature indicated in my hon. friend's question were attached to the Government scheme of war risk insurance. I may add that the important point to which my hon. Friend's question is directed, namely, the maintenance and increase of the Mercantile Marine, is engaging the serious attention of his Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. FELLIs it not possible to alter these conditions and make them such as suggested in the question?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYThe point has not been lost sight of. I can only say that it was very carefully considered by the Board of Trade before the Ministry of Shipping was established.
§ Mr. HOLTIs the right bon. Gentleman aware that shipowners are most anxious to be allowed to spend this money on new shipping?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYMy hon. Friend, I think, knows that, so far as we are concerned, the Ministry of Shipping are doing all they possibly can to see that every slip in the United Kingdom is occupied.