§ Mr. SWANasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the hardship that the Tyne Dock trimmers are suffering due to short-time work; what steps are being taken to abate this suffering; and if efforts have yet been made to get a fair balance of shipments on the Tyne so as to give equal employment to all trimmers?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe improvement in the Tyne Dock position to which the Parliamentary Secretary referred in his reply of 6th May has been maintained, and there has been a further improvement during the past four weeks. Shipments have averaged 10,000 to 11,000 tons daily. Having regard to the diminution of exports which is due to the quantity of coal railed inland and which affects other shipping centres besides Tyne Dock, the Dock authorities consider the position satisfactory. Coastwise shipment has fallen648W off to some extent; but the principal firms concerned are being urged to put in further tonnage.