§ 36. Mr. GRANTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the shortage of tonnage for the transport of coal from the Whitehaven area and the consequent distress thereby threatened, he can entertain a proposal for the use of interned German cargo boats for such purpose?
Mr. RUNCIMANAll the available enemy steamers detained in the United Kingdom are being used at the present time for the purpose of bringing coal to London. Inquiries have been set on foot as to enemy sailing ships which may be made available for the needs of Whitehaven.