§ 80. Sir Ronald Rossasked the Minister of War Transport whether he is aware that commercial and passenger traffic was diverted from the Port of Londonderry owing to its use as a naval base during hostilities; and what steps are being taken to restore this traffic.
§ Mr. BarnesI am advised that there has been no diversion of commercial and passenger traffic from the Port of Londonderry owing to its use as a naval base; the second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.
§ Sir R. RossWhatever the reason was, all the traffic stopped, and it was naturally assumed that, as the port was used as a naval base, that was why. Is it fair to the dockers and those engaged in the distributive trade that this traffic should not be restored, as the present position deprives them of their livelihood?