§ Captain W. BENNasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller how many ships, other than war ships, were built by the Government during the War; how many have now been disposed of to Foreign Powers; and whether, in disposing of them, any provision is made for the employment of the masters and officers and men formerly engaged in the vessels?
§ Colonel L. WILSONThe number of standard ships completed or completing to the account of the Shipping Controller, is 422. One hundred and thirty-eight have been delivered to foreign purchasers. As regards the last part of the question, it is not possible to make arrangements for the continued employment of officers and men previously engaged on these vessels, but every assistance possible is given to unemployed masters and officers by the Resettlement Branch of this Ministry, by the help of which a large number of such officers have found employment.