§ 172. Mr. J. Fosterasked the Minister of War Transport whether he is aware that the Greek ss. "Wilkie" cleared from Runcorn within the last two or three months for U.S.S.R. with coal bunkers sufficient for the return trip to the United Kingdom, but was compelled by the Soviet authorities to discharge the coal for the return trip and to return to Runcorn on timber firing; and whether he will make representations to the Soviet Government to avoid similar incidents in future.
§ Mr. BarnesNo, Sir; but I find that the Finnish steamer "Wilke" sailed from Runcorn for Finland last November, taking coal bunkers in the Mersey, and returned to South Wales in January, having 10 tons of bunkers on board. I 351W am inquiring of the Finnish authorities whether any bunkers were unshipped in Finland.