82. Major BARNESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if, in view of the fact that many British ships have been and are lying awaiting coal cargoes in the United Kingdom, with little prospect of getting them in the near future, he will consider the advisability of bunkering these vessels for 1912 foreign ports where they could take their share in loading food and raw materials for the places where these are required?
Colonel WILSONAlthough there has undoubtedly been detention of British ships in loading coal cargoes in the United Kingdom, the general position is improving, and there is good prospect of British ships getting cargoes without any serious delay. The position is, however, being closely watched, and if the situation justifies it, vessels will be sent away in ballast rather than kept waiting for coal cargoes.