§ 41. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the cargo of the steamship "Tennessee" includes 600 tons of steel and has been lying at Aberdeen since November; and why this steel has not been made available for distribution when it is urgently needed?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI assume my hon. Friend is referring to a Danish vessel of this name which with its cargo was seized as prize and taken into a Scottish port at the end of April. The cargo has been discharged and is waiting action by the Prize Court. I am making arrangements with the Admiralty Marshal which I hope will secure the immediate release of this material in advance of the Prize Court decision.
§ Mr. EdwardsWill the Minister make further inquiries with regard to the date? I am informed that it has been lying there since November. Is there not something wrong with a Department which allows steel, for which there is an urgent demand, to lie idle?
§ Mr. MorrisonI will certainly make further inquiries, but I am definitely advised that the ship was ordered to Aberdeen for discharge on 30th April. Before I can actually get the material the Admiralty, under Prize Court Procedure, must have a hand in the business, but I will certainly do all I can to secure this commodity as quickly as possible.