§ 37. Mr. WARDLEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether chartering agents of the Government have recently accepted freights on the open market for the interned or captured German steamers to load coals at East Coast ports for London at the rate of 11s. per ton and upwards, such steamers still being chartered for similar business, while steamers hitherto regularly engaged in conveying coals for London have been requisitioned and loaded with gas coals for ports on the South-West Coast of France; and, if so, whether he will state how this method of dealing with tonnage will increase the supply and reduce the price of coal in London?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. For the answer to that part of the question which refers to the Admiralty my hon. Friend should address the Admiralty.