HC Deb 07 August 1918 vol 109 cc1327-8
7. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that British tonnage sunk by enemy action was much greater in July than in June, and can he state to what extent in gross registered tonnage; whether he is aware that many of the British ships sunk were liners, and that the standard or fabricated vessels built, or which may be built, do not suitably or efficiently replace the lost liners; whether he is aware that for some time past British tonnage lost is greater than British tonnage built; that other nations, notably America and Japan, are addingly largely to their merchant tonnage, while Great Britain's is diminishing; and whether arrangements are being made to replace with suitable vessels the British liners lost, apart from standard or fabricated ships?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Sir L. Chiozza Money)

I have boon asked to answer this question. I am glad to say that the suggestion made in the first part of the question is erroneous. In spite of the loss of the "Justicia," a vessel of 32,120 gross tons, on 21st July, the losses of British shipping by enemy action last month were lower than in June. The actual figures for July cannot, by agreement with the Allies, be published before the 29th August. With regard to the remainder of the question, the important point to which my hon. Friend draws attention is not being overlooked. As will be gathered from the speech of the First Lord of the Admiralty on Vote A of the Naval Estimates, the earliest possible opportunity will be taken to lay down suitable vessels to replace the liner losses which have been sustained, but the country's essential supplies must first be completely assured.

Mr. HOUSTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that America is building passenger and cargo liners, not merely cargo steamers such as the standard and fabricated ships are, and that there is great danger of our losing our maritime supremacy? In view of his statement with regard to the losses during July, I must ask him to look into it. He will find he is entirely mistaken.

Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY

With reference to the first part of the supplementary question, I can only say that that very important part has not been overlooked by us. With regard to the second part of the question, the hon. Gentleman will find, when the figures of losses are published, that the statement I have made is quite accurate.

Mr. HOUSTON

I have the figures here.

Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY

I am sorry the hon. Gentleman should give currency to that statement, because it is not accurate.

Mr. HOUSTON

It is accurate.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the fact that America is laying down 6,000,000 tons of shipping for after-war use; and are similar steps being taken in this country for the purpose of maintaining our supremacy?

Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY

So far as any addition to the tonnage of the Allies is concerned, we have reason to rejoice on that account.