18. Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction is still prevalent at the inability of his Ministry to use available tonnage to the fullest advantage and whether he has considered the desirability of forming a special committee of competent shipowners within the Ministry for the purpose of allocating vessels according to their build and suitability for the particular trades involved?
§ The Minister of Shipping (Mr. Cross)The exigencies of war require the concentration of tonnage on essential services, and compel the restriction and even the complete cessation of certain trades. Within the limits thus imposed, ships under the control of the Ministry are allocated to the services for which they are best suited by men with a competent and practical knowledge of ships and shipping. I have already the benefit of the assistance of many shipowners in the Ministry, and do not consider any special committee to be necessary.
Mr. AdamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very general request from shipowners for the appointment of a committee of this character?
§ Mr. CrossI was not aware of that until the hon. Member said so, and my Reply indicates that we see no good reason why such a committee should be appointed.