1 DECEMBER 1917, Page 13

If the figures of last week were repeated regularly, or

even often, we should be in a very dangerous position. We have no fear, In spite of all, that we shall fail in the war through this cause if the Government will back up the unremitting vigilance of the

Navy with wise and thorough action. We have written at length elsewhere about the whole problem of mercantile shipbuilding. It is the question of the moment. We believe that if all the facts which can reasonably be published are placed before the country it may be found necessary to take a swift, decision towards reversing the policy of creating national shipyards. At all events, the whole subject ought to be investigated at once.