§ 102. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that a large number of people who desire to emigrate to British Dominions are unable to do so owing to transport shortage, yet refrigerated cargo ships are leaving this country in ballast; and will he allow these ships, to be used for carrying passengers to the Dominions.
§ Mr. CallaghanYes, everything possible is being done to ease the acute shortage of passenger shipping but it is not practicable to use the cargo ships to which my hon. and learned Friend refers for passengers.
§ 103. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport how many persons now await transport to South Africa, New Zealand and Canada, respectively; how long they have been waiting; how long they are likely to have to wait for transport; and what steps he is taking to reduce the waiting list and at what rate.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe applications registered with the shipping lines during the last two years and still outstanding total for South Africa 95,000, New Zealand 20,000 and Canada 50,000. The position will be somewhat eased as passenger ships return to these routes after reconversion from military service during the next few months, and by new building. I regret that I cannot say when the waiting lists will be cleared.