Sir W. RUNCIMANasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if the Controller is yet able to assure the House that every shipyard and engine-works now engaged in the building of cargo vessels has been fully supplied with, firstly, all the skilled labour, and, secondly, all the unskilled labour that they could use since the beginning of this year; and, if not, whether these shipyards and engine works, as distinct from shipyards engaged on naval work, will be, supplied before the middle of May with, firstly, all the skilled labour and, secondly, all the unskilled labour which they can use, whether in the making of material or the construction of hulls, machinery, or fittings or in the fitting and completion of vessels not yet completed or for work on standard or other suitable cargo vessels?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYI regret to say that I am not able to give my right hon. Friend the assurance for which he asks, but I can assure him that the whole question of accelerating the construction of new ships and of obtaining additional material and labour for the purpose is engaging our most urgent attention. As I have already informed the House, the present output of new ships is very much greater than in the second half of last year, but we are not satisfied with the position that obtains, and every part of the question is being again explored.