§ 27. Sir Hugh O'Neillasked the Minister of War Transport what prospect there is of an improvement in the passenger shipping services between the Republic of Colombia and the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. BarnesThe pressure on passenger services is so great that I must use the limited resources at my disposal on the busiest routes, and I cannot hold out hopes of an improvement of this particular service in the near future.
§ 28. Sir H. O'Neillasked the Minister of War Transport if he is aware that a number of British subjects resident in Brazil are awaiting transport to the United Kingdom; andwhat prospect there is of improving the shipping services so as to enable these people to come home.
§ Mr. BarnesYes, Sir. The present service is now being substantially improved by the release of a passenger liner from trooping service. This ship will be employed without complete conversion in voyages to and from the River Plate, and it is intended to reserve part of her passenger accommodation for passengers to and from Brazil.
§ Sir H. O'NeillWill the Minister say if his answer means that these ships will call at Brazilian ports?
§ Mr. BarnesI cannot say at the moment at which ports these vessels will call. If the right hon. Member requires any further information regarding the direct routes, I shall be pleased to furnish it.
§ Sir H. O'NeillCannot the Minister arrange for some large passenger ships to 1514 call at several South American ports in order to take away the large number of people waiting for transport?
§ Mr. BarnesI am very anxious to deal with this problem of civilian transport, and this is one of the steps being taken to ease the situation in Brazil.