§ 3. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent there has been an increase in the numbers of merchant vessels leaving this country in ballast seeking cargo in the North American ports during the past two months; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WatkinsonSome 201 merchant vessels of all flags left the United Kingdom in ballast during January and February, 1956, bound for North American ports as compared with 205 vessels during the corresponding two months of 1955. There does not appear to be anything exceptional in these movements.
§ Mr. ThomasDoes this represent any considerable increase during the past few years?
§ Mr. WatkinsonAs far as I can see from the figures, no.