§ 56. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether before the War every 100 605 tons net register of shipping which came into this country brought in 106 tons of goods; and, if so, whether he can explain the arrangements and methods which have been made and used by means of which every 100 tons net register of shipping coming into this country now bring in 150 tons of goods?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The large increase in the weight of goods imported in relation to net tonnage entrances is due partly to the heavier character of the cargoes required for war purposes as compared with those imported under peace conditions, partly to a careful selection of vessels with the best dead-weight cargo-carrying capacity for importing work and their concentration upon the shorter routes, where their advantages secure the maximum effect in increasing imports, and partly to the use of passenger vessels, with poor cargo capacity in relation to their tonnage, for the transport of troops, etc., with their consequent exclusion from net tonnage entrances.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs it the case, in spite of what the Leader of the House said, that this increase took place before the Ministry of Shipping was set up and was due to the facts which my hon. Friend states?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYIt certainly occurred in some measure before the Ministry of Shipping was set up, but my hon. Friend must remember that the Shipping Controller had to contend with many new difficulties.
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYNo, Sir.