§ 46. Mr. GILBERTasked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to close the Port of London; if his attention has been called to the recent diversions of ships from the Port of London; and if he will consider that, in view of the importance of London as a food distributing centre for many millions of the population, every and all facilities shall be given, so that every food ship that is possible shall be allowed to enter London's port?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYI have been asked to reply to this question. The Government does not propose to close the Port of London. It is true that, for reasons of safety, the western ports have lately been used to a relatively greater extent than the eastern ports, but the dependence of London upon sea-borne supplies is fully appreciated, and the Port of London will continue to be used to the fullest extent which is consistent with the safety of the national supplies.
§ Mr. GILBERTWill the Government consider the question that vessels coming to London shall have convoy facilities equal to those accorded to vessels going to western ports?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYMy hon. Friend has had the advantage of a private conference between the Ministry of Shipping, the Shipping Controller, and the head of the Anti-Submarine Department, and leading members of the Admiralty, and therefore he knows that the suggestion made in his question is without foundation. [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!" "Apologise!"] I withdraw that. I will only say that the hon. Member knows that 1555 the suggestion in his question to give equal protection, in given circumstances, is in accordance with the views of the Admiralty.
§ Mr. G. LAMBERTIs it due to this diversion of traffic that there is such a scarcity of food in London, and may it be expected that there will be a more plentiful supply for London when the traffic is brought to the Port of London?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYIt is perfectly true that the necessary divergence of traffic caused difficulties with regard to certain supplies, but, as I said in my answer, both the Admiralty and -ourselves are keeping this point constantly in mind, and are endeavouring to bring every ship they possibly can with supplies for London, under the given circumstances. under Admiralty protection.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSSupposing many ships are diverted from London, can the Government see their way to providing transport facilities to bring food supplies into the Metropolis at the present time?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYThat is also under most careful consideration, and we are constantly in touch with the Railway Executive, and a Committee has been set up to endeavour to solve the difficulties.
§ Mr. PRINGLEHas the diversion which has actually taken place been decided on without any real consideration of the transport facilities?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYNo, Sir. It was absolutely necessary to make certain diversions, and the whole inland transport was most carefully considered. My hon. Friend will see that it. is a question of balancing advantages and disadvantages, and we have done our best to meet the situation.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that General Pringle intimated to the Port of London Authority the intention of closing the port, and had it not been for these protests it would have been done?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYI have no knowledge of such an intimation, but if it was made, it was under a misapprehension.
Mr. RUNCIMANAs this is a matter of great importance, may I ask the Leader of the House, representing the War Cabinet, whether he will prevent any 1556 further diversion of food ships from the Port of London without full consultation having been made, not only with the Railway Executive Committee, but also. with the Port and Transit Committee?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)I quite realise the importance of the point raised by my right hon. Friend and which was brought to my notice by him. I can assure him that no diversion will take place, and I state this after consultation with the Shipping Controller, which is not rendered absolutely necessary by the protection of ships. The question of railways has, of course, to be dealt with simultaneously, and a great deal is being done to secure that the supplies come through.
§ Mr. LEIF JONESrose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERNotice of any further question should be given.