§ 106. Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the export of cotton piece-goods from the United Kingdom to India and Burmah can be accelerated; is he aware that there are 20,000 packages now awaiting shipment for Bombay alone representing a sterling value of £800,000;' and whether, in view of the importance to national interests of this trade, the inadequate shipping facilities will be extended?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the SHIPPING CONTROLLER (Sir Leo Chiozza Money)I am aware of the facts referred to by my hon. Friend, and I am glad to be able to inform him that steps have already been taken to deal with the congestion referred to. I am sorry to have to add, however, with regard to the last part of his question, that in view of the serious character of the tonnage position, it is impossible to make any promise that other difficulties of the same sort will not arise in the near future.