§ SIR FORTESCUE FLANNERY (Yorkshire, Shipley)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Registry of Shipping and Seamen has been removed from the Custom House, Thames Street, in the City of London, to Carlisle Place. Victoria Street; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused by this change to those interested in shipping affairs, who have frequently to consult the shipping registers daily, he can see his way to reconsider the position of the Registry, with a view to removing it at an early date to a more convenient site.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. BONAR LAW,) Glasgow, BlackfriarsYes, Sir, but the arrangement which has been made is merely temporary. The Board of Trade hope that steps will be taken at the earliest opportunity to provide suitable permanent accommodation for the Registry in the City. Meanwhile every effort is being made to obviate any public inconvenience, and a small staff of clerks in telephonic communication with the head office is still located in the Custom House.
§ SIR FORTESCUE FLANNERYCan the hon. Gentleman give me any idea how long this inconvenience is likely to last?
§ MR. BONAR LAWI am sorry I cannot state any time, but I hope it will not be long.