HC Deb 27 March 1917 vol 92 cc205-6
40. Mr. G. LAMBERT

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, having regard to the necessity of impressing on the country the necessity for economy in the use of oversea supplies, he will reconsider his decision and publish the total amount of mercantile tonnage week by week destroyed by hostile submarine or mine?

The SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

My right hon. Friend, of course, entirely endorses the view that it is imperative that everybody should recognise the vital necessity for economy in the use of oversea supplies. He gave close personal attention, in association with his naval advisers, to my right hon. Friend's present suggestion when it was first made. He is afraid that he cannot add anything to the answer which he then gave to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is it not a fact that the tonnage losses from submarines have been greater in the last month than ever before, and can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this is brought out in the Admiralty Returns?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The right hon. Gentleman is familiar with the Returns. He gets week by week the number of ships of 1,600 tons and over lost by submarines, and the number below that, also fishing vessels. Last Saturday we added the losses caused by the German commerce raider "Moewe."

Mr. LAMBERT

Does not the Return convey a misleading impression by comparing, in the first place, the sailings and arrivals of all British, foreign and Allied shipping, whereas it only gives the losses of British shipping?

Dr. MACNAMARA

That is so; but the right hon. Gentleman will remember the terms of the answer he received on the 21st March. The form is published after consultation and agreement with the Allies, and it is adopted by the Allies. My right hon. Friend went on to say that he was satisfied there were cogent naval reasons against publishing the tonnage figures and thereby giving the enemy correct information of considerable military value. For that reason it is not given.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is it not a fact that the present Board of Admiralty is giving less information than the "Hide-the-truth" Government?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The present Board of Admiralty, as the First Lord said, is giving all the losses.

Mr. PRINGLE

Less than the "Hide-the-truth" Government.