§ Sir J. Wardlaw-Milneasked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware that coastal services are penalised, as compared with rail services, by having to bear the cost of war risks insurance of ships, while, under the terms on which the Government has taken over the railways, all war damage to railways and Tolling stock will be made good free of insurance premiums; and what action he is taking to place shipping on an equality with the railways in this respect?
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§ Sir J. GilmourI am informed that the terms mentioned by my hon. Friend do not correctly describe the arrangements made by the Government with the railways but the whole question of the burden falling on coastal services is being examined as a matter of urgency by my Department in consultation with the Board of Trade and other Departments concerned, and I hope soon to be in a position to make a statement on the matter.