HC Deb 05 December 1939 vol 355 cc481-2W
Mr. Benjamin Smith

asked the Minister of Shipping, what was the total tonnage of American shipping contributed to the allied cause during the war of 1914–18?

Sir J. Gilmour

The following statement compiled from published sources, will, I hope, give the hon. Member the information which he desires:

Employment of United States tonnage in 1918.
Sea-going steam merchant vessels of 500 tons gross and over.
31st October, 1918.
1,000 tons d.w.
I. Employed in import service of principal Allies:
(a) In import service of Italy 128
(b) In import service of France 124
(c) In import service of United Kingdom 45
(d) In import service of United States 782
II. Employed in other Merchant Service:
(a) In United States coasting trade 896
(b) In United States colonial trade 83
(c) In coasting or colonial trade of other principal Allies 59
(d) In service of other Allies or neutrals 475
III. Employed in Non-Merchant Service:
(a) In military service of United States 2,641
(b) In naval service of United States 200
(c) In other military or naval service (mainly transportation of American troops) 24
IV. Repairing or otherwise unemployed 536
V. Tankers 1,371
7,364