§ Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of War Transport whether he is aware that exorbitant charges are being made on some ships by officers for tobacco and other stores; and if he will take steps to deal with the position.
§ Mr. BarnesI understand that it is the practice for masters voluntarily to purchase supplies of tobacco and other stores for resale to their crews, and that owners have been asked to give instructions to masters that the cost to the crew should only include a reasonable margin over cost price to cover insurance, wastage and a small profit. If my hon. Friend will furnish me with details of alleged exorbitant charges I shall be happy to inquire into them.