HC Deb 23 February 1920 vol 125 cc1275-7
17. Lieut.-Colonel BUCHANAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the rate of freight on iron ore from Bilbao to Clyde ports is now 39s. 6d. per ton as against 35s. last week and about 5s. pre-war; if he is aware that even at these rates sufficient ships cannot be obtained to keep the Scottish blast furnaces supplied and that some are on slack blast, thus accentuating the present famine in pig iron; if he is aware that at least 500 ships are lying idle in British ports awaiting cargoes and that a considerable number of these have been so lying idle for several weeks and in some cases months; and if he will take steps to see that some at least of these are diverted into the iron ore trade?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Colonel Wilson)

I have been asked to reply. The Shipping Controller is aware of the difficulty being experienced at present in obtaining tonnage for the carriage of iron ore to this country, which is due in a large measure to the diversion of ships into the coasting trade in order to maintain coal stocks for home requirements, and to the direction of vessels to the Plate and Cuba for the carriage of grain and sugar. It is hoped that the situation will improve in the near future, and in the meantime such steps as are practicable are being taken to increase the tonnage in the trade. My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that the Shipping Controller has no control over foreign ships in British ports, which form a large proportion of those waiting for cargoes.

Lieut.-Colonel BUCHANAN

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the import of iron ore for January was a half below the normal, and does he realise that if this continues the steel trade of the country will be very seriously affected?

Colonel WILSON

Yes, I am fully aware of the figures the hon. Gentleman has quoted and, as I have said, steps are being taken. I hope within a very short time there will be sufficient tonnage.

Sir R. COOPER

Have any British ships been lying for months awaiting cargoes?

Colonel WILSON

There have been some ships which have been delayed a considerable time, particularly ships full of tea have been lying in the Thames. Steps were taken last week to deal with these cases. The Shipping Controller is himself visiting various ports and investigating.