§ 108. Commander Nobleasked the Minister of Transport how long it is intended that all sea passages to the West Indies should be allocated by priority.
§ Mr. BarnesGovernment sponsorship of passages was terminated on the West Indies route on 19th May last, and space is now allotted by a committee of the shipping lines engaged in the trade, established in agreement with and under the general supervision of my Department. Owing to the shortage of passenger ships it will remain necessary for some time to ensure preference in allocation of passages to the West Indies to those whose travel is essential.