HC Deb 15 April 1918 vol 105 c40
76. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller the number of ships lost through collision and mines which might have been avoided if daylight sailings were carried out?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have been asked to answer this question. It is impossible to say how many vessels lost at night through collisions and mines would have been immune if they had sailed by day. Night sailings are necessary, and the loss does not exceed the loss by day.

Mr. BYRNE

Is it not true to state that the losses in the Irish Channel within the last three months due to collision by far exceed the number of those lost by enemy action?

Dr. MACNAMARA

No; I do not think that is so.