U-BOAT PERIL.

Taihape Daily Times, 28 December 1917, Page 5

U-BOAT PERIL.

BRITAIN -S COUNTER-MEASURE. LONDON, December 17. Sir Eric Gedclos, First Lord of the Admiralty, speaking in the House of Commons to-day, said: Since the Admiralty Controller was appointed in June the output of ships repaired in dry dock had increased by 48 per cent and repairs afloat by 45 per cent. Repair and salvage organisation had proved so successful that it was being extended all over the world. : Referring to shipbuilding, Sir Erie Geddes stated that if' the output in December equalled the output of November the British naval and mercantile tonnage completed in 1917 would be equal to that of the record year--1913 —when 2,282,000 tons, of which 362,000 tons was naval, was built". Mercantile tonnage was now being completed at the same rate as in 1913. The output of all classes of shipping in October, and November indeed was actually IS per cent higher than the rate of output in 1913? n Thc Government’s plans providcd-Lor a still greater increase. Further augmentation of our mercantile tonnage were being arranged throughout’ the Allied world in concert with our Allies. We were making great experiments with 1000 ton concrete barges and tugs, but not with larger ships. The Minister emphasised the necessity for developing anti-submarine warship construction. Otherwise, he said, we should simply be sending out vessels to be torpedoed by the ever-increas-ing force of enemy submarines. A vast extension of shipbuilding facilities was necessary in order to successfully combat’the submarines. It was hoped to increase still further the output from existing accommodation, but that was not enough, and private yards had been authorised to increase their accommodation by 45 new berths.

Three new* national yards were being constructed, and seven yards would be used for the construction of more highly standardised ships tha nhas yet been undertaken. It was hoped that the first keel would be laid on.them early next year. Thirty-four berths were being prepared. Prisoners of war would be employed. The total cost was estimated at £387,000. Suming up, Sir Eric Geddes said that the demands on our merchant shipping were greater'than over they had been in the wan

The submarine was held, but the en omy was not yet mastered.

Our shipbuilding was not yet replacing our losses, but both the downward trend of the sinkings and the upward curve of the shipbuilding was satisfactory. The latter would undoubtedly be maintained. The upward curve of the destruction of the submarines continued, and was equally satisfactory There was no reason to doubt that it would continue to gradually improve. If the country exercised rigorous economy and put forth all its powers to defeat the submarines he had no fear as to the result.

Men and women are urgently needed for shipbuilding. Unless he entirely mistook the spirit of the country the response would demonstrate to the world that our grip lightened as the struggle continued, (Loud cheers.)