§ Major GLYNasked the Secretary for Scotland whether the service of coastal steamers between England and Scotland has been much reduced since the War; if vessels in ports in Scotland or England suffer undue delay in discharging cargoes; whether he can state, after consultation with the Ministry of Shipping, what number of voyages ships engaged in a regular service can undertake in one month at the present time compared with the time occupied before the War; and if ho can give the reasons for this falling off in efficiency?
Colonel WILSONI have been asked to reply. Assuming that the question refers to general cargo liners, the coastal tonnage engaged on the services between England and Scotland has beer reduced during but not since the War, this being accounted for by steamers sunk owing to enemy action which have not yet been replaced. With regard to the voyages 915W now undertaken compared with time occupied before the War, it is not possible to give any exact statement, but it is estimated that the loss of efficiency is in the neighbourhood of 30 per cent., the reason being delay in ports.
§ Major GLYNasked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in consultation with the Board of Trade, he can give the figures of tons of general cargo carried in vessels sailing between Scottish and English ports in the month of January, 1913, 1914, 1918, 1919, and 1920; whether representations have been made to him for the need to encourage sea-borne transport; and what, besides the shortage of tonnage, are the causes that at present restrict this trade?
Colonel WILSONI have been asked to reply. No statistics are available which show the tons weight of cargo carried coastwise or which distinguish the trade between England and Scotland from the general coasting trade. The desirability of increasing sea-borne transport is fully appreciated by the Government, and in August last the Government Coastal Subsidy Scheme was introduced with a view to encouraging traders to make all possible use of coastal transit. So far as can be seen, there is no greater falling off in the coastal traffic between England and Scotland, than in the coastal trade generally, and the main causes of this falling-off have been dealt with in the reply to the previous question.
§ Major GLYNasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping what tonnage is at present engaged in regular sailings between English and Scottish ports; and how does that figure compare with that of 1913–18?
Colonel WILSONReturns of tonnage engaged on regular coasting lines are not now procured by the Shipping Controller from the companies maintaining the services. I regret, therefore, that exact figures are not available. The tonnage is less than that engaged in 1913 14 owing to losses arising out of the War, which have not yet been replaced.