§ 37. Sir R. Rossasked the Minister of War Transport why goods and passenger traffic were diverted from the Port of Londonderry during the period of hostilities; and what steps are being taken to restore its prewar traffic to this port.
§ Mr. BarnesDuring the war Service needs, security and other considerations necessarily required adjustments in the steamer services in the Irish cross channel trade. I am not aware of any substantial diversion of goods traffic from the Port of Londonderry, but if the hon. Member would give me particulars of any Londonderry traffic which he claims has been diverted to another port, I will make inquiries. Cattle and goods services between Londonderry and the United Kingdom are at present meeting traffic requirements. These are a service twice a week between Londonderry, Greenock and Glasgow which is augmented as necessary; a service three times a fortnight between Londonderry and Hey-sham, and a weekly service between 885 Londonderry and Liverpool. No suitable ship is at present available to resume the passenger service on the Glasgow/ Londonderry run.
§ Sir R. RossHow long does the Minister think it will be before a passenger service is started again?
§ Mr. BarnesI cannot give an exact date. If the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question later on, I will see if I can give him a more encouraging answer.