HC Deb 30 April 1940 vol 360 c518
23. Mr. Jenkins

asked the Minister of Shipping the number of ships that have left the South Wales and Monmouthshire ports in ballast during the months of March and April to the most recent date as a consequence of failure to get coal cargoes?

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

So far as I am able to ascertain, during the period 1st March to 25th April some eight or nine vessels which left South Wales ports in ballast each week could have carried coal cargoes had coal and facilities for shipping it been available.

Mr. Jenkins

Is it the fact that ships are now being diverted from South Wales ports because of their inability to get coal cargoes?

Mr. Hudson

I have given the figures as far as we have been able to ascertain them. The hon. Member knows that the situation is not easy, and that every effort is being made to improve it.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman pushing his hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines in the right direction?

Mr. R. Gibson

Can the right hon. gentleman inform us whether the number of ships going from these ports in ballast is abnormal or normal?