Major BARNESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping, in respect of each week of the month of February, the, number of steamers over 500 tons waiting at each of the six principal coal-shipping ports for cargo; and, if there is congestion, will he set free a larger percentage of tramp tonnage to trade abroad?
Colonel WILSONI attach a statement showing the number of steamers over 500 tons waiting at each of six principal ports for coal cargoes in respect of each week in the month of February. I may point out, however, that this statement includes both British and foreign ships, and that, so far as the congestion 1125W may be due to ships waiting for outward cargoes to foreign ports, this is not due to the system of licensing or direction by the Shipping Controller, as he only uses his powers in this matter for the purpose of utilising ships to bring homeward cargoes. It is always open to owners to sail in
SHIPS OVER 500 TONS WAITING FOR COAL CARGOES IN THE PORTS NAMED FOR MONTH OF FEBRUARY, 1920. Ports. Week ending 7th. Daily average. Week ending 14th. Daily average. Week ending 21st. Daily average. Week ending 28th. Daily average. Daily average for Month. Leith (Forth) — — — — — Cardiff (Bristol Channel) 50 50 50 50 50 Swansea (South Wales) 49 43 72 78 60 Port Talbot (South Wales) 36 36 36 36 36 Newcastle (Tyne) 21 22 17 20 20 Goole — — — — — Average total waiting daily 166