§ Mr. HOUSTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention had been called to the delays to British steamers at Buenos Ayres owing to the want of proper facilities for discharging their general cargoes; whether he is aware that the berthing of steamers in the docks at Buenos Ayres and the deposits for the reception of their cargoes are under the control of the Argentine Government; that steamers arriving in Buenos Ayres have to wait long periods, in some instances as much as twenty days, before obtaining a discharging berth for general cargo; that this delay is largely due to the Argentine Government refusing 1012 to limit the time goods remain in the Government warehouses, in order to make profits out of storage rent; that in some instances goods remain stored in these warehouses for very long periods; that these delays are inflicting losses upon British shipowners; and whether he will communicate with the Argentine Government with a view to improving the conditions of the ports of Buenos Ayres and Rosario, so as to facilitate the discharge of British vessels and reduce losses to British shipowners?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I have received no complaints in regard to any of the points mentioned by the hon. Member. I am, however, aware that there has been great congestion of shipping at Buenos Ayres. In 1907 a Committee of nine members was appointed to make regulations for the services of the port, of whom three are British.
§ Mr. HOUSTONWill the hon. Gentleman communicate with the Argentine Government in the matter?
§ Mr. HOUSTONWhy not?
Mr. McKINNON WOODIt is unusual to communicate with the Government of other countries about their ports.