Mr. RUTHERFORDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether has attention has been called to the fact that the ss. "Voronej," 3,278 nett register, arrived in Liverpool on the 12th November instant, carrying only 159½fathoms of pit-props, whereas this vessel could comfortably have brought 1,800 fathoms; why every licence to import pit-props from Russia is refused, notwithstanding that the skippers were anxious to load a full cargo on the "Voronej"; whether the "Tambov" has since arrived with 371 fathoms, when she could easily have loaded 1,500 fathoms; and whether he will explain the reason why these two steamers, and also the "Monni" and the 1393W "Vladimir Russanoff," for Newcastle-on-Tyne, were not allowed to bring the pit props required in this country
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYThe facts are as stated in so far as the quantities carried are concerned. The "Voronej" "Tambov," and "Monni" are steamers of the Russian Volunteer Fleet, which, by request of the Russian Government, are returned to this country with the utmost dispatch, and only such cargo as is necessary to ballast them for safe passage is taken in order that they may be again available to load outward cargoes. The "Vladimir Russanoff" is an ice-breaking steamer returning to this country in a damaged condition for repairs. The Ministry of Shipping do not control the issue of licences.