§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the President of the Board of Trade how many British ships have been chartered this year for the Kara sea trade; and how many were chartered for that trade in 1938, and the corresponding tonnage?
§ Mr. StanleyFrom inquiries I have made I understand that chartering for1520W the Kara Sea trade does not usually begin until the end of June and that some four or five British ships have been chartered for this season. I am also informed that for the whole of the 1938 season at least 25 British vessels, of over 142,000 tons deadweight, were chartered for the trade.