HC Deb 11 July 1916 vol 84 cc197-8
44. Mr. FIELD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the freights now levied by ship-owners is a principal factor in the price of coal and other commodities in Dublin; and whether the Government will take measures to enable a more moderate profit to shipowners in the interest of consumers?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I am, of course, aware that freights are an important factor in the price of seaborne commodi- ties. As I informed the hon. Gentleman on 22nd June all practicable steps are being taken, and will continue to be taken, to alleviate the tonnage difficulty.

Mr. FIELD

Will the hon. Gentleman say what are the practical steps which are being taken, because the people in Dublin are complaining of these freights and their commerce is practically stopped?

Mr. PRETYMAN

Our practice is to direct the tonnage, as far as possible, to those particular trades and those particular places where they are most required.

Mr. W. THORNE

Have not the Board of Trade power to prevent the shipowners from charging the extraordinary freights for coal which they demand?

Mr. PRETYMAN

Not except under the terms I indicated just now, or by taking the ships and putting them under Government control.

Mr. BYRNE

Could not some of the captured vessels be used for the Dublin coal trade?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I will look into that.