§ 30. Mr. HOUSTONasked the President of the Board of Trade on what date the Committee was appointed by the Admiralty, with the concurrence of the War 659 Office and the Board of Trade, to co-ordinate naval, civil, and military requirements at Liverpool with the object of reducing the congestion of the port; if he will give the names of the gentlemen forming this Committee and their previous and present occupations; whether he is aware that the number of vessels awaiting allotment of berths, which had fallen to forty-five on the 5th instant, had on the morning of the 10th instant risen to sixty-one; and whether he can state on what date the Committee started work?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Committee appointed by the Admiralty to deal with the congestion at the port of Liverpool was formally constituted on the 8th inst. The members of the Committee are as follows:—
I understand that the number of vessels awaiting allotment of berths was sixty on the 5th inst. and fifty-nine on the 10th inst. The Committee held its first meeting on the 9th inst. and is now meeting at frequent intervals.
- Mr. A. A. Booth, Chairman (Chairman of Liverpool Shipowners' Association).
- Sir Helenus Robertson (Chairman of Mersey Docks and Harbour Board).
- The Senior Naval Officer, Liverpool.
- The Divisional Naval Transport Officer, Liverpool.
- Major E. K. Essel (Deputy Assistant Director of Railway Transport).
- Mr. L. A. P. Warner, Secretary (Assistant to General Manager of Mersey Docks and Harbour Board).
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that shortage of labour contributes to the congestion of the port, and that the Committee would be strengthened by the addition of a gentleman intimately associated with labour and acquainted with local conditions?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am very much obliged to the hon. Gentleman for making the suggestion. It shall receive consideration.