111. Mr. SHIRLEY BENNasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, owing to the congested state of so many of our ports, he will consider the advisability of utilising such ports as the Cattewater at Plymouth, with its deep-water wharves, steam and hydraulic cranes, available warehouse and yard accommodation, and direct communication with two great railways?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe congested state of many of the ports and the possibility of reducing it by diverting ships to other ports have been receiving my consideration and that of the Departments interested for some time. I have brought the hon. Member's suggestion for the utilisation of Cattewater and similar harbours to the attention of the Admiralty Marshal and of the Advisory Committee on the Diversion of Shipping.