HC Deb 08 July 1946 vol 425 c6
2. Major Haughton

asked the Minister of Transport when the L.M.S. vessels s.s. "Duke of Rothesay" and s.s. "Duke of York" will be released from requisition.

Mr. Barnes

These vessels are still required for military service, but I hope it may be possible to release them from requisition about October of this year. Reconditioning may take about six months.

Sir Ronald Ross

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the tonnage available from England to Northern Ireland is only about half what it was before the war? Why should Northern Ireland, particularly, have to suffer, after six years of blockade, by not having enough vessels for the summer trade?

Mr. Barnes

Northern Ireland is not suffering any more than any other locality.

Sir R. Ross

It is.

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