§ 66. Mr. HOUSTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on a certain day during the last month about 24 vessels were lying in a certain Channel port, most of them waiting for orders to proceed to other ports, and that about 42 vessels were lying in an adjacent port, most of them waiting for discharging berths; whether the Member for the West Toxteth Division of Liverpool has privately given him the names of these ports and the dates; whether he can state how many of these vessels were British, and their total gross register tonnage, and approximately their total deadweight carrying capacity, including; bunkers, and approximately their total measurement capacity for cargo; whether he can state how many of these vessels were under requisition and how many were receiving Blue Book rates of hire; and whether, in view of the shortage of shipping and the high prices of food in this country, he will enter his protest to the responsible Government Department or authority against this waste and misuse of British shipping with a view to more intelligent and economical management and control?
Mr. ROBERTSMy predecessor received a communication from the hon. Gentleman as to the number of ships waiting in certain French ports last month, and though the official figures do not in all respects agree with his, there is no doubt that there was very serious congestion. The French authorities are doing all in their power to overcome the serious difficulties with which they are faced, and we are doing what we can to assist them. I am not in a position to give in a complete form the particulars for which the hon. 841 Gentleman asks as to the ships concerned, but if he wishes it I will show him privately the information we have received.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the state of affairs described in my question is the usual state which has been existing for many months past, and will he tell me through what channel he got his information which did not confirm my figures?
Mr. ROEERTSI think I am entitled to ask forbearance from the hon. Member. I only entered office yesterday. I can assure him I will make further enquiries.