§ 85. Sir A. WILLIAMSONasked whether the Controller of Shipping has power to limit the waste of shipping by the Admiralty, War Office, and Government of India, and particularly to arrange for rapid loading and discharge of vessels used by these three Departments and the utilising of each vessel for the work for which she is suited?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is one of the main duties of the Shipping Controller to see that merchant tonnage is used to the best possible advantage, and the method by which he carries out his duties was explained by me in the House on Monday last.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Shipping Controller has charge of the acceleration of the dispatch of vessels at places such as Salonika and Basrah?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe duty of the Shipping Controller in all such matters is to examine into them, to satisfy himself whether there is any delay, if there is to arrange to end it if possible with either the military or naval authorities, and, if he fails, to come to the Cabinet and get a decision upon it.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONDo I understand that his powers cover Salonika and Basrah?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWHis powers include the right to look into the use of shipping in every form.
§ Mr. HOUSTONWill the right hon. Gentleman call the special attention of the Controller to the large number of vessels held up in French ports? If they were released, that would give great relief to our shipping.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not think it is necessary to call his attention to it, because I believe he is already aware of it.