HC Deb 27 March 1946 vol 421 cc361-2
20. Commander Noble

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction in Jamaica over the small number of passages to this country available to the general public and also over the handling of the priority for such passages as are available; and what steps are being taken to remedy this.

Mr. georģe Hall

Jamaica, like other Colonial territories, is suffering from the general shortage of passenger shipping, and I am advised that there is no prospect of substantial relief until the present demands on shipping space for demobilisation can be eased. I have received no complaints about the working of the priority system in Jamaica, but I will make inquiries from the Governor in the matter.

Commander Noble

If I send the right hon. Gentleman a copy of information on this subject, which I have already sent to the Ministry of War Transport, will he-consider it?

Mr. Hall

Certainly, Sir.

Mr. Glossop

Will the right hon. Gentleman take this matter up with the Minister of War Transport, as it is only by getting citizens of Jamaica to this country that we can increase our exports to Jamaica?

Mr. Hall

The Minister of War Transport and I are in constant touch on this matter. I fully appreciate the seriousness of it.

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