asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the proportion of ships completed to ships sunk by the enemy which prevailed in November has been maintained in the month of December?

The reply is in the negative. The results in December were not so favourable as in November.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he can state the number of standard ships completed up to 31st December, and how many, if any, have been sunk?

Thirteen standard ships were completed and delivered up to 31st December, 1917. The number sunk remains at one.

is it not the case that a second has been reported sunk during the month of December?

No, Sir. Only one has been sunk up to date.