HC Deb 20 February 1939 vol 344 cc25-6
42 and 43. Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. Lambert Ward

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether, in view of the fact that his Department only employed British ships to the extent of 2í per cent. for the importation of telegraph poles, he will ascertain whether suitable British tonnage is available; and, if so, whether he will stipulate that in all future contracts for telegraph poles they must be carried in British ships;

(2) whether, if suitable British tonnage is not available, he is prepared to enter into a long-term contract with a British company for the transport of telegraph poles in order that suitable ships may be built?

Sir W. Womersley

Owing to scarcity of suitable British ships and reluctance of owners to undertake these cargoes it has not hitherto been practicable to stipulate that only British ships are to be used. But tender forms now indicate that preference will be given to tenderers offering shipment in British vessels, and the proportion to be shipped in such vessels this year will be about 25 per cent. I shall continue recent efforts to induce other British owners to undertake these cargoes, but I do not consider it necessary to offer long-term contracts involving special building.

Sir A. Lambert Ward

Is there any stipulation in the existing contracts that British tonnage should not be employed?

Sir W. Womersley

I have already stated that in the new tender forms we are making it clear that tenders for the supply of telegraph poles shipped in British vessels will receive preference.

Sir A. Lambert Ward

That is not the question I asked; I want to know whether there is any stipulation in existing contracts that foreign vessels should be used in preference to British?

Sir W. Womersley

My answer was, No, Sir.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Can the hon. Gentleman state to what the reluctance of British owners to undertake these cargoes was due?

Sir W. Womersley

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that that has been puzzling me.