§ 106. Major NALLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he will explain why Irish cattle traffic, that could be most conveniently dealt with at the port of Manchester, has been diverted to Holyhead by the Director of Cross-Channel Transport; and whether he is aware that the Director is also a London and North-Western Railway Company official?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Colonel Leslie Wilson)This matter has been dealt with by the Ministry of Shipping in conjunction with the Ministry of Food. There is at present a serious shortage of tonnage suitable for the carriage of live stock, and as a steamer can make on the average three trips to Liverpool or Holy- 2232 head against two to Manchester, it is considered important to make the fullest possible use of the shorter route. I must repudiate the insinuation which appears to be contained in the last part of the question.
§ Major NALLWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman consult the Minister-designate of Transport, as this is one of the cases m which transport is being carried long distances by rail where it need not go by rail at all?
§ Colonel WILSONAt the present moment it is a question which entirely rests with the Ministry of which I spoke.