§ 35. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if be can make any further statements as to the progress of the ocean convoy system; and, in particular, if he will state for the latest possible date the amount of tonnage which has been convoyed: and the proportion which has been lost?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Sir Leo Chiozza Money)The results of the ocean convoy system continue to Fe satisfactory. Taking all the homeward-bound ocean convoys since the inception of the system in the middle of last year, 14,180,041 gross registered tons of shipping, with a dead-weight capacity of 20,145,400, have been convoyed with a loss, expressed in gross tons, of 1.44 per cent., or expressed in dead-weight capacity of 1.57 per cent. These figures are down to 19th January, 1918, and include losses which have been occasioned by ships being sunk through the dispersal of convoys by bad weather.
§ Mr. MILLARDo the figures relate to British ships only?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYThey relate mainly to British ships, but include some French ships also.
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYThe figures relate solely to the system of ocean convoy.
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYThat question had better be addressed to the Admiralty.
§ Mr. HOUSTONCan the hon. Gentleman state definitely whether he is including in the percentage of losses those vessels which had been convoyed but were sunk immediately after the convoy was dispersed, such as the "Appam" and many others?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYThe figures include the taking of the vessel or the failure to take it to port. They do not, of course, include losses in the subsequent movements of the vessels on the coast.
§ Mr. HOUSTONWas the "Appam" included in the percentage?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYI must ask for notice of that question.
Mr. H. SAMUEL-Does the one ship appear several times in these figures if it has made several journeys, and are we to understand, therefore, that the percentage of losses is not a percentage of the ships?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYIt is not a percentage of the ships as individual units, but of ships per voyage.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEAre we to infer from the reply that the safeguarding of our shipping is only a matter of sufficient convoys?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYThat is very largely true.
Mr. SAMUELAre we to take it that the figures lead us to the conclusion that of the number of ships convoyed the percentage mentioned, between 1 and 2, has been sunk?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYYes; but the same vessel may be included more than once if it again crosses the ocean and again comes back with another convoy.
§ 55. Commander BELLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered the increased risk to a 12-knot ship when convoyed by 8-knot trawlers, as in a recent case of a valuable refrigerating ship which was lost; and whether he will sanction the release of at 1424 least 200 of the 8-knot trawlers and crews in order that they may assist the food supply of the country?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; but in the case quoted by my hon. and gallant Friend, the vessel referred to was unable to maintain a higher speed than 9 knots. In arranging escorts, consideration is given to the actual sea speed of a ship and not to the nominal speed.
With regard to the second part of the question, the question of releasing the slower trawlers and drifters on Admiralty service is constantly before the Departments concerned, but in view of the constant and growing demand for these vessels, it is not possible to release any of them at present without detriment to the Naval Service.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the many complaints which are made by masters of speedy vessels at being convoyed by trawlers, and having to reduce their speed to about 6 or 7 knots to prevent them running away from them?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have heard my hon. Friend make that statement in the House before certainly.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries, not among officers of the Admiralty, but among practical men on this subject?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe have had the advantage of the experiences and opinions of practical merchant seamen. But I will put my hon. and gallant Friend's proposal of to-day before the proper authority.