§ Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller what steps have been taken to remove all control from mercantile tonnage now that Peace has been signed; when will the large staff at the Ministry be dispersed; and when will the offices be vacated
Colonel WILSONThe policy of releasing shipping from requisition is, apart from those ships on naval and military service, very nearly complete. It has been replaced by a system of licensing, which is necessary in order to safeguard the essential imports of the country, and my right hon. Friend is unable to give any indication of the time when it will be possible to withdraw all control of shipping. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to give any dates with regard to the two latter parts of my hon. and gallant Friend's question.