§ 48. Mr. PETOasked the Prime Minister what proportion of the steamships waiting their turn to discharge cargo at Genoa are on the British register, and are carrying cargo from foreign countries; and, in view of the shortage of ships for carrying foodstuffs to Great Britain and cargo for British industries, if he will take steps to regulate the supply of shipping, so that British needs may have the first call of British ships?
Mr. RUNCIMANMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I understand that nineteen British ships, all carrying cargo from foreign countries, are awaiting their turn to discharge at Genoa. As regards the latter part of the question I cannot say more than that steps are being taken to add to the amount of tonnage available for the trade of the United Kingdom by the utilisation of prize ships and detained ships, and by dealing with congestion at ports.