Sir Joseph Maclay, the Shipping Controller, had, Mr. Lloyd George
continued, by a fuller use of the available ships and by speedier methods of loading and unloading them, been able to carry in British ships in Juno and July 150,000 tons of cargo more than a year ago, though the tonnage of the ships at his disposal was now ten per cent. len than it was then. He had also put new vigour into the shipyards. Whereas, said the Premier, the yards in 1915 built 688,0e0 tons of shipping, and in 1916 only 538,000 tons, they had in the first half of this year pro- duced 484,000 tons, and would in the second half produce 1,100,000 tons, which is above the normal production of peace times. With 330,000 tons of shipping acquired abroad, we should add 1,9061,00e tons to our merchant marine this year, to set against the ships sunk by submarines. Naval construction on a very large scale had not been interfered with. We had to build for our Allies.as welt as ourselves, but America'e vast shipbuilding resources would help me to provide ships enough, not only for this year; but for 1918, and, " if necessary," for 1919 as well.
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