DEBATE ON THE STATEMENT

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 70, 22 March 1918, Page 7

DEBATE ON THE STATEMENT

PRESSING DEMANDS OF THE NAl rT

FLEET SEVERELY WORN BY SERVICE

(Received Maroh 22, ll;3$0 A.m.)

. LONDON, 21st March. In a debate in tHe House of Commons on the First Lord's statement, Sir Edward Carson stated that when he was First Lord, the shipping problem was "a constant anxiety after the unrestricted submarining began, especially in March, April, and May* of 1917. "Really," he said, "we felt that the problem was almost hopeless." He opposed constant changes to and fro as regards shipbuilding methods. He asked for further information as to Lord Pirrie's functions.

Sir, Edward Carson said his first conversation with Lord Jellicoe related to the submarine Menace. They considered that the problem must be regarded as a whole, and tiiat a great organisation was necessary to meet the menace. He himself considered it impossible' to have different departments running separately. Lord Pirrie was a masterful mail: It was his duty to fight for the mercantile marine, but we must have a Strong Navy above everything. The Fleet required more attention the longer the war lasted.- It was likely, in view of the Navy's tremendous work, that it would be worn out. This must be prevented. When he was first Lord the relations between the employers and the workmen in some of the yards were the worst he ever experienced. Such relations were disastrous to the country.