§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of War Transport what steps he is taking to free vessels usually engaged in cross-channel and coastal trade, so that the present conditions of congestion and overcrowding can be improved.
§ Mr. BarnesA large number of these ships have been released in recent months. Some are already operating in the Irish Sea and Channel services, and others, which are still undergoing conversion, will be brought into service in the next few months. No more ships can be removed from military service at the moment without reducing the facilities for the return of troops for release, their carriage to and from the Continent on leave and the transportation of essential personnel on duty. The position is kept under continuous review, and additional ships will be released as soon as conditions make it possible.
§ Sir R. Rossasked the Minister of War Transport how many of the "Ulster Monarch" class of cross-channel ships have survived the war; what functions are they now performing; and how long it will be before they resume their normal purpose of carrying cross-channel traffic between Belfast and Liverpool.
§ Mr. BarnesTwo of the three "Ulster" class of cross-channel ships have survived the war. The "Ulster Prince" has been sunk. The "Ulster Monarch," which was on Admiralty service, has now been returned to her owners for reconversion for commercial employment; it will be seven or eight months before she will be ready to resume her cross-channel sailings. The "Ulster Queen" was acquired by the Government for Naval service; she has been extensively converted and it is impracticable for the time being, in view of the present state of the shipyards, to undertake the substantial work necessary to restore her to a condition for normal passenger employment. The hon. Member will be aware that the Liverpool-Belfast service has now been restored with the s.s. "Longford," making three weekly runs in each direction. It is hoped shortly to make another ship available for this service and maintain nightly sailings on all weekdays in each, direction.
173W
§ Sir R. Rossasked the Minister, of War Transport whether he is aware of the precarious nature of cross-channel services to Ireland owing to the need for refits of many of the ships so engaged; and whether he will undertake that no ships restored to this service will be again withdrawn for Government service.
§ Mr. BarnesI am fully aware of the position, and everything possible is being done to strengthen the cross-channel services to Ireland. Only in the most exceptional circumstances would a vessel released for the Irish cross-channel services be again withdrawn for Government service.
§ Sir R. Rossasked the Minister of War Transport why, in view of the shortage of cross-channel passenger accommodation, there is still no passenger traffic between Londonderry and Glasgow; and how soon can this be resumed.
§ Mr. BarnesNo suitable ship is available to resume the passenger service on the Glasgow-Londonderry run. I regret that I am not yet able to say when it wall be possible to do so.