§ 10. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Food what steps he is taking to deal with the problems arising from the detention at Vancouver of British grain-ships chartered by his Department, owing to a strike of elevator workers at that port.
Dr. HillSome of the ships are making intermediate voyages pending the end of the strike, while others are being released from charter.
§ Mr. GowerMay I ask, first, whether this involves my hon. Friend's Department in a direct financial loss? Second, has my hon. Friend any news of the "Queen City," owned by Reardon-Smith, Ltd., of Cardiff, and chartered by his Department, which has been detained at Vancouver since 17th February last? Has he thought of arranging for the vendors to ship this cargo from the two elevators unaffected by the strike or from another port where there is no strike?
Dr. HillFollowing a letter from the hon. Member two days ago on a particular aspect of this matter, inquiries are being made and a reply will be sent to him in due course.