§ 68. Mr. BYRNEasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the profiteering going on in shipping centres; if he is aware that the increase in freights in many cases has been increased over 500 per cent. and that the increase particularly applies to coal going to Ireland; and if he will state the Government's proposal in the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Sir Leo Chiozza Money)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. So far as ocean-going ships are concerned there is certainly nothing in the nature of profiteering under the conditions of Government control as now exercised. Control is gradually being extended over the coasting and cross-Channel services, and as from the 1st of February all voyages in Home waters will be subject to the licence of the Ministry of Shipping. It is anticipated that the operation of the new licensing scheme will afford an effective means of dealing with any cases of excessive freights.