Mr. T. WILSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if he is aware that there is a considerable number of persons who have come to this country on business who are, owing to the shortage of vessels placed at the disposal of steamship companies, unable to return to their homes; if he is aware that some of the steamship companies have not had any vessels for fare-paying passengers placed at their disposal since February last; and whether he will take steps to facilitate the return of these people to their homes and businesses?
§ Colonel LESLIE WILSONI am glad of this opportunity of dispelling the opinion, which is apparently somewhat widely held, that the Shipping Controller is responsible for civilian passenger traffic. The functions of the Ministry of Shipping extend solely to Government services, and the Department does not in any way control the private passenger arrangements of the lines. We have to secure that space is available for repatriation and other Government services, and the remainder of the space is at the disposal of the companies. During the period of the demobilisation of the Colonial Forces, and the repatriation of men who came from abroad to join the Imperial forces, the amount of passenger space left at the disposal of the lines has necessarily been very restricted, but Government demands are now diminishing, month by month, and the use of the passenger space, left free, is entirely a matter for the steamship lines.