§ 62. Mr. HURDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the Ministry is considering with the Admiralty the advisability of adapting old cruisers, which would otherwise be sold off, for the purpose of the more speedy return home of the South African soldiers now retained unwillingly in this country, and also for the transport of English civilians who have positions awaiting them in South Africa, and are kept idle in this country for want of shipping accommodation?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Colonel L. Wilson)The possibility of adapting obsolete cruisers for the conveyance of troops was very thoroughly examined in the early part of this year. It was found that none of the vessels available were suitable for the purpose. The matter is again under consideration, as other vessels not then considered have since been declared obsotele. While it is the fact that a large number of civilians are awaiting passage to South Africa, the Shipping Controller is not aware that any South African soldiers are now retained unwillingly in this country for any prolonged period after readiness for embarkation.