§ Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller how many ferroconcrete ships and barges have been purchased by the Government; whether any American-built wooden or steel steamers have been purchased; and how many of these various craft are still afloat and in use?
§ Colonel L. WILSONApart from the concrete tugs and barges built in this country for Government account, no concrete vessels have been acquired by the Shipping Controller. As regards purchases in the United States of America, only two wooden vessels have been purchased, both of which have been lost (one after transfer to a foreign flag); 169 steel steamers were contracted for in the United States early in 1917; of these eleven were delivered, the remainder being requisitioned by the American Government. Of the vessels delivered, seven have been lost and four are still running.