SHORTAGE OF TONNAGE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16668, 13 April 1916, Page 5

SHORTAGE OF TONNAGE.

EMPLOYING ENEMY SHIPS. A QUESTION FOR NEUTRALS. (Timc3 and Sydney Bun Services.) LONDON, April 11. (Received April 12, at 5.50 p.m.) In the Bouse of Commons Lord Robert Cecil said the Government was considering the question of employing enemy ships that were sheltering in neutral ports, but the neutral Governments must first decide, taking into' consideration that the destruction of merchantmen affected neutral trade as well as that of belligerents. The Government would carefully consider any proposals made by neutrals.

A VIEW. GOVERNMENT'S WASTE CONDEMNED. SUGGESTIONS TO MEET THE DIFFICULTY. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) LONDON, April 11. (Received April 12, at 5.50 p.m.) Mr R. P. Houston, M.P., shipowner, interviewed by a representative of the Daily Mail, said: " The shortage of slipping threatens to create the war's most serious problem, for thereon depends not merely the price of foodstuffs, but whether foodstuffs will be available,. I estimate British war-time losses at 940 ships, representing 3,000,000 tons. Between one-third and one-half of the nation's food is brought in neutral ships. If Germany frightens the neutrals, what tonnage is left? "

Mr Houston suggests the release of all ships not needed for national service, the restriction of the Allies' and neutrals' demand, and that these should be made to utilise interned enemy ships, seizing in neutral waters a German ship for every neutral ship sunk. Mr Houston indicts the Government and the Admiralty for waste of tonnage and a weak handling of the situation. He mentions .that an expert committee recently .made investigations in the Mediterranean. He would be surprised if the report were published, because it was confirmatory of the Government's fco!ish tonnage waste.