HC Deb 14 June 1917 vol 94 cc1105-7
35. Major HUNT

asked the Minister of Munitions whether there is much heart burning on the subject of allocation of freight; and, in view of this, whether he will consider the desirability, in electing committees for the control of ores, of nominating either people not in the trade or else of letting the whole of each trade elect their own committee?

Sir WORTHINGTON EVANS

I do not understand to what the question refers. Allocation of freight is primarily a matter for the Shipping Controller, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will inform me of any special ground for dissatisfaction I shall be glad to consider the matter.

36. Major HUNT

asked the Minister of Munitions the names of the committees who control the imports of iron ore, manganese ore, pyrites, and copper ore; and whether the members of such committees are themselves engaged at present in the trades which they control?

Sir W. EVANS

Imports are controlled by the Shipping Controller advised by an Inter-Departmental Priority Committee. The members of this Committee represent various Government Departments concerned. My right hon. Friend is not aware whether any of such members are shipowners.

Major HUNT

Can the hon. Gentleman say on what principle these committees are selected?

Sir W. EVANS

This Inter-Departmental Committee is selected on the principle of representing the Departments concerned.

Mr. KEATING

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the question of publishing the names of these committees, because there are so many, and hon. Members are very anxious to know who they are?

Sir W. EVANS

I shall be very glad indeed to give my hon. Friend the names of any committee he desires to know. There is a small book published for private circulation by the Ministry of Munitions, but I do not wish to reprint it for the benefit of those who do not wish to see it.

Major HUNT

Who selects these committees?

Sir W. EVANS

Each Department nominates its own representative.

Mr. PRINGLE

Have any of the Departments nominated as their representatives gentlemen engaged in the trades affected, so that those gentlemen may be able to give a preference to their own particular businesses?

Sir W. EVANS

I cannot answer a general question of that kind. Perhaps my hon. Friend will say to which committee he refers.

Mr. PRINGLE

This Committee.

Sir W.EVANS

This is an Inter-Departmental Committee advising the Shipping Controller. I do not know, as a matter of fact, if any of the members are shipowners.

Mr. HOUSTON

Will the hon. Gentleman place a book containing the names of these committees in the Library?

Sir W. EVANS

I will ask my right hon. Friend about that.