§ 3. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Shipping whether he can make a statement on the allocation of shipping to meet the needs of the Cereal Board and the transport of coal, respectively?
§ Sir J. GilmourIn the long distance trades, available United Kingdom tonnage is directed by the Ship Licensing 505 Committee to meet requirements for the import of cereals and other essential commodities. It has not yet been found necessary to impose special direction as regards transport of coal overseas. In the coasting and near seas trades, arrangements are made by co-operation between the interests concerned and the local committees established at the principal ports and acting under my direction.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the difficulties experienced in the shipment of coal and also cereals, and can he say what he proposes to do about it?
§ Sir J. GilmourI am aware that war conditions have materially interfered with the transport of some of these articles, but I think these are being gradually alleviated.