§ 34. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of War Transport why the "Queen Elizabeth "was not used, as requested by the Government of Australia, to take British brides to Australia and bring back food, instead of being reconstructed for the purpose of earning dollars.
§ Mr. BarnesI have not received any request from the Government of Australia for the "Queen Elizabeth" to be used as suggested. The "Queen Elizabeth" was specially built for North Atlanticservice. She cannot be operated efficiently on voyages to the East, where there are no ports at which she can go alongside. The ship could not bring back food to this country, as her cargo space is negligible. She could not carry large numbers of women and children without considerable preparatory fitting. I fully appreciate the need for providing transport for passengers to Australia and am doing all I can with more suitable ships.
§ Sir T. MooreCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether a statement was made by a spokesman of the Australian Cabinet that this ship, or some equivalent number of ships, should be put at the disposal of that Government to bring the brides to Australia; and in view of the shortage of brides in Australia, and 1517 the shortage of food here, will the right hon. Gentleman put an equivalent number of ships on the service?
§ Mr. BarnesI should like to inform hon. Members that I am getting on very well with Australian brides.
§ Captain Francis Noel-BakerCan the Minister say whether it is a fact that the "Queen Mary" and the "Queen Elizabeth "cannot go through the Suez Canal?
§ Mr. BarnesI think my answer conveyed that very clearly.