§ Mr. Molsonasked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent cargoes intended for Malayan and Burmese ports and diverted to India are still detained in ports without being taken into use and are incurring demurrage charges?
§ Mr. JohnstoneAll cargoes intended for Malayan and Burmese ports and diverted to India, which had not previously been released to their owners for disposal, have been requisitioned by the Government of India acting in close co-operation with His Majesty's Government. The cargoes include goods in short supply, and some have already been directed to areas where they are most required. Any residue will be disposed of by local sale through committees set up to deal with these cargoes-on the spot. The work of sorting, identifying and directing the balance is being proceeded with as rapidly as possible. So far as I am aware, no demurrage charges are being incurred on any of these cargoes.