3. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether the provision of passages for public servants and their families from India to the United Kingdom is entirely controlled by the Minister of Shipping; and, if so, whether that officer is making arrangements to relieve the present congestion to provide passages and to reduce fares?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Colonel Leslie Wilson)I have been asked to answer this question. The provision of passages in such cases as those referred to is controlled by the Minister of Shipping acting in conjunction with the other Departments concerned. Everything possible is being done consistent with other urgent requirements to relieve the existing congestion. No further reduction of fares can, I fear, be looked for.
§ Sir A. FELLIs it the fact that some of these people will not be able to get passages before the hot weather?
§ Colonel WILSONAs I stated in the reply, there is considerable congestion at the present time, but it is hoped that that congestion will be relieved considerably in the near future with regard to passages.