HC Deb 30 January 1940 vol 356 cc965-6
39. Mr. David Adams

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he has now a statement to make on the present position and relationship of the Mercantile Marine to his Department?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping (Sir Arthur Salter)

My right hon. Friend directs or controls the trading operations of the Mercantile Marine, either by the system of licensing or under requisition. He has already announced his policy as regards requisition.

Mr. Adams

May we be told whether ordinary tramp tonnage and collier tonnage are requisitioned?

Sir A. Salter

Yes, Sir, a great deal of ordinary tramp tonnage is requisitioned, and further tonnage of that type is being brought under requisition. The requisitioning system is not, however, at this moment, universally applied.

Mr. Adams

Is it intended that it shall be universally applied?

Sir A. Salter

My right hon. Friend has announced that he is extending requisition with a view to applying it generally to tramps.

Mr. Shinwell

May I ask whether the policy of the Ministry of Shipping is receiving the full support of the shipowners' and seamen's representatives, or whether serious complaints are not being made?

Sir A. Salter

We are engaged in constant consultations with the shipowners and with the seamen. If I said to the hon. Member that there were no complaints at all, he would either think I was not entirely ingenuous, or that we were being too generous, but we are constantly in consultation.