HC Deb 08 June 1915 vol 72 cc174-5
35. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that congestion in the docks at the port of Liverpool is worse than ever, and that on the morning of 26th May seventy-eight vessels were waiting for berths; that of these vessels ten were at noon allotted berths, but were unable to utilise the same by reason of the sheds being congested with cargo from previous vessels; whether he is aware that three steamship companies occupying berths in the South Docks are frequently short of men to the extent of 500; whether he is aware that this congestion and shortage of labour causes delay and loss to shipowners and is largely responsible for increased freights and cost of food; whether he is aware that this congestion and shortage of labour is mainly due to the action of the Admiralty in continuing to use unduly this port for fitting out transports, notwithstanding the representations made to the Admiralty to utilise other ports less congested or free from congestion; and whether he will consider the desirability of taking action in the matter?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I understand that the facts are substantially as indicated by the hon. Gentleman, but I am glad to say that on Saturday last the number of vessels waiting allotment of berths had fallen to forty-five. Since the reply given to a similar question on the 6th May, the Admiralty, with the concurrence of the War Office and Board of Trade, have appointed a Committee at Liverpool with the object of co-ordinating naval, military and civil requirements at that port, and I hope this may help to reduce the congestion there.

Mr. HOUSTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, notwithstanding the improvement he indicates, the expected arrivals will soon bring this congestion to the same condition in which it was formerly, and that on the 5th inst. the three firms referred to were short of 841 men, and on the 7th 757 men?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I could not verify those statistics without notice, but I have great hopes of this Committee doing a good deal towards co-ordinating the requirements of the port and facilitating the discharge of vessels.

Mr. HOUSTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this congestion is largely due to the action of the Admiralty, has he made any representations to the Admiralty regarding this, and have they paid any attention?