§ 88. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the time required to turn round ships in United Kingdom ports is approximately 40 per cent. longer than pre-war, despite the installation of labour saving machinery; and if he will cause a special investigation to be made into the causes and take steps to remedy this situation.
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§ Mr. BarnesIn view of the very different circumstances obtaining in shipping and cargoes today as compared with pre-war, no realiable statistics of comparative shipping turn-round times are available. My Department are, however, in consultation with the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom, the Liverpool Steamship Owners' Association, the National Association of Port Employers, the Dock and Harbour Authorities' Association, and the British Transport Commission, with a view to establishing a system of turn-round statistics on a uniform basis.
Special investigations into shipping turn-round problems have already been made by Working Parties. The recommendations of the Turn-round of Shipping Working Party have been brought to the notice of all concerned, and have secured a wide measure of acceptance and adoption. The report of the Working Party on Port Mechanisation is now being considered in consultation with the national organisations.