HC Deb 16 May 1918 vol 106 cc513-4
14. Colonel ROYDS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if, with the object of ascertaining whether the most economical use is being made of our existing shipping tonnage, he will in the public in- terest publish monthly or other Returns showing the time and tonnage lost by reason of ships lying in harbour laden or partly laden, ships making passages only partly laden, ships making one port and having to discharge at another port, and delay in discharging or loading of ships?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Sir Leo Chiozza Money)

I have been asked to reply to this question. As I indicated in reply to a similar question asked by my hon. and gallant Friend on the 8th May, it is hardly practicable to make such a Return. I may add that even if it were made it certainly would not show whether the most economical use is being made of tonnage.