HC Deb 12 November 1940 vol 365 cc1556-7
3. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware that the Ministry of Shipping have recently issued a schedule of rates of freight to various Scottish ports from the Firth of Forth and the North-east coast of England, and in some instances the difference between the rates for these two ports amounts to as much as 7s. 3d. per ton in favour of the Firth of Forth; that this will have a crippling effect on the Durham coal trade, already suffering very severely from the loss of its export markets; and whether he will take steps to have the schedule cancelled or amended, with a view to fair play being given all round?

Mr. Cross

The controlled rates of freight for coal cargoes to East coast Scottish ports are based on the costs of carriage between the various ports concerned, and are properly higher for the longer voyages from the Tyne than for the shorter voyages from the Firth of Forth. The rates have recently been revised to meet increased costs, and the same proportional increase has been applied to all voyages. The difference in the rates for the size of ship normally employed in the trade is 4s. 3d. and not 7s. 3d. per ton, the latter rate applying only to vessels under 350 tons. I recognise the importance to the Durham coal trade of keeping sea transport costs as low as possible, but I cannot agree that the operation of the schedule will have the serious effect on that trade suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. Shinwell

Before this new schedule was introduced did the Minister consult the interests concerned, namely, the Durham coal trade, and further, is he aware that the differential rates will exact an increased penalty on the Durham coal industry, which is already suffering adversely from the loss of export markets?

Mr. Cross

With regard to the first part of the Question, as I have already stated, these increases are based on costs and on nothing else. Therefore, I think it most improbable that the interests whose goods are being carried would be consulted as to whether or not the rates should be increased.

Mr. Shinwell

Before putting this schedule into operation, will the Minister consult the interests concerned? Is he aware that representations have been made by the Durham coal industry?

Mr. Cross

I will certainly look into the point which the hon. Member has raised, although I could not give the undertaking for which he has asked. I should think that the hon. Member is very much exaggerating the effect that this arrangement is likely to have on the Durham coal trade as it is only a small proportion of its export trade which goes to the Scottish ports.