§ Mr. SWAN (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a statement in the Press to the effect that the London Docks are congested to repletion with meat, tea, sugar and wool, all of which are urgently required by the people; whether he is also aware of the statement that if the meat was distributed it could be sold at 7d. per lb., and can he state what steps the Government are prepared to take to secure the distribution of these requirements and thus at the same time reduce high prices?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe position in regard to all the commodities mentioned in the question has been repeatedly under the consideration of the Cabinet during recent months and the following is the situation:
WooL.—There is no unusual congestion; the quantity arriving in this country is moderate and reasonable and is being rapidly absorbed.
TEA.—Imports have not been made on Government account, as tea is no longer controlled, but steps were taken at the instance of the tea trade to increase shipments in order to keep prices down. Although owing to the limited bonded accommodation available in London, there has been some congestion in that port, no tea is being withheld from consumption, and arrangements have been made, after consultation with the interests concerned, to divert certain shipments to other ports.
SUGAR.—As regards sugar, there is at present no congestion. Owing, however, to inability to find tonnage earlier to-lift sugar purchased for loading in Cuba in January and February large shipments are expected shortly. It should be remembered that shipments of sugar are always heavier at this time of the year owing to the fact that the Cuban crop is-now at its height.
MEAT.—This is being placed on the market as rapidly as it can be absorbed and an announcement of an early reduction in price has already been made.
§ Mr. SEXTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these statements were made at the dockers' inquiry on the authority of the Chairman of the Port of London Authority, and that men are walking on sugar and making it into molasses because of the congestion?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThere is a good deal of congestion, as the Chairman pointed out, because of the fact that there is a shortage of rolling stock. That is what every country is suffering from grievously, on account of the War. That congestion, I am sorry to say, will continue until we are able to build more wagons and locomotives and to get the railway system into normal working order.
§ Mr. SWANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that men have been discharged from Woolwich Arsenal, a place where, it was stated by the Minister of Transport, they can produce wagons more cheaply than outside firms? Why are these men not engaged instead of being thrown into the street and having their heads hacked?
§ Captain ELLIOTAre they not being dismissed under the terms of an agreement come to between the masters and the trade unions? [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no!"]
§ Mr. A. SHORTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Lord Devonport stated that this congestion was due to the futile policy of the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI was not aware that hon. Members on the other side were in the habit of accepting Lord Devonport's statements.