HC Deb 23 April 1940 vol 360 cc4-5
12. Mr. Jenkins

asked the Minister of Shipping the number of ships waiting for coal last week in the ports of South Wales and Monmouthshire?

The Minister of Shipping (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

The average number of ships waiting for cargo or bunker coal last week was: At Newport four, at Cardiff slightly under three, at Barry slightly over four, at Port Talbot there were only two days on which ships were waiting—two on one day and three on another. At Swansea one ship was waiting on each of three days.

Mr. Jenkins

Might I ask whether or not large numbers of ships now leave those ports in ballast because of the absence of cargoes?

Mr. Hudson

I would not say that a large number do so; but it is a fact that there is close co-operation between my Department and the Ministry of Mines, and if there is likely to be delay in getting a cargo, deep-sea ships are bunkered and sent away in ballast, in order to avoid the holding-up of the ships that would be involved in waiting for coal.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not true that a large number of ships could be liberated if the coal could be got?

Mr. Hudson

The situation in the earlier part of the war, I understand, was that there was more coal than ships. At present there is a surplus of ships, and that is likely to continue for the next few weeks. Undoubtedly, if more coal could be provided at present, my Department could get considerably increased quantities of shipping.

Mr. Jenkins

Is there the necessary co-operation between the right hon. Gentleman's Department and the Ministry of Mines in order to get cargoes and to make the ships available for them?

Mr. Hudson

There is the closest co-operation, but at present supplies of coal are inadequate for the demand.

Mr. George Hall

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that large numbers of miners are unemployed who are willing to produce coal if they can get the opportunity?

Mr. Hudson

That is really a matter for another Department than mine, but I should point out that the shortage of coal applies not only to South Wales but equally to the North-East coast.

Mr. Gurney Braithwaite

Are there not cases of ships having been sent in ballast from South Wales to the Tyne exposing them to enemy attacks and unnecessarily risking the lives of our merchant seamen?