§ Sir WATSON RUTHERFORDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he has refused to receive a deputation from the Liverpool Shipbrokers' Association on the question of the limitation of their business, and the scale of charges; and if he will state what reasons there were for such refusal?
Colonel WILSONThe answer is in the affirmative. The association was informed in January last that, in view of the early release of British ships from requisition and the return to normal conditions, it appeared unnecessary for the Shipping Controller to receive a deputation on the subject, the matter being essentially one for negotiation and settlement between shipbrokers and shipowners.