Skip to main content

Shipbuilding

Volume 103: debated on Thursday 7 March 1918

The text on this page has been created from Hansard archive content, it may contain typographical errors.

38.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he can give an assurance that, in the building of cargo ships, no time or labour is wasted on accessories or equipment or paint or accommodation not absolutely and urgently necessary to their immediate function and safety at sea, but that only shells suitable for cargo purposes are being constructed with the necessary driving power and rough accommodation for the crew?

I gave my hon. and gallant Friend the assurance for which he now asks on 4th December last, and I have pleasure in repeating it. The standard ships are being built as efficient cargo carriers, with the necessary accessories and accommodation and provision for safe navigation, and nothing is being put into them which is not considered essential for the purpose for which they are built and for the safety and comfort of the crew.