§ 1. Sir Ronald Rossasked the Minister of Transport why the coal-burning R.M.S. "Princess Margaret" was run to and from Lame and Stranraer without carrying any passengers during the first half of December; and why she ceased running altogether during the Christmas holiday season, although the passenger traffic was such that sailing tickets were in use.
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Barnes)To convey perishable cargo which was more than the "Princess Victoria" could handle. Throughout December, the "Princess Victoria" was well able to deal with all passengers on this route.
§ Sir R. RossIs the Minister aware that although the "Princess Victoria" has first-class sleeping accommodation, there is no third-class sleeping accommodation? Will he not pay the same attention to the people of Ulster who are going home after their holidays to produce the food we need, as to the conveyance of the food to this side of the Channel?
§ Mr. BarnesThe passenger certificate is for 1,515. I am informed that the highest number of passengers carried during that period was about 840.
§ Sir R. RossWhy were there sailing tickets?
§ Professor SavoryIs the Minister aware that during the whole of the summer the "Princess Margaret" sailed only on Fridays and was lying up at Stranraer for the rest of the week, while thousands of people were being refused sailing tickets?
§ Mr. BarnesI think the hon. Member was aware of the position at that time, because I met him and his friends who were concerned about the matter. He knows that every effort was made to meet the position, having regard to the difficulties arising out of the necessity to save fuel.