40. Mr. David Adamsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is in; ended to control the prices of materials used in the construction and equipment of vessels for the Mercantile Marine; and what steps will be taken whereby the high prices demanded for such tonnage during the late war may be avoided?
§ Mr. StanleyThe most important materials used in the building of merchant ships are iron and steel, and supplies and prices of these are already controlled by the Ministry of Supply. Some other materials which enter into the construction of ships, such as timber, are also already subject to control. The whole question of the cost of building new -ships will be kept constantly under" close observation with a view to deciding whether any other steps are necessary to prevent undue increases in cost.
§ Mr. StanleyCertainly, in the last war here were no such steps to control these prices such as have already been taken in the first three weeks.