§ Mr. P. Freemanasked the Minister of War Transport whether he is aware of the position that is developing in all South Wales ports as a result of the suspension of the Direction of Ships terminating at the end of November; and whether he will make a statement on the matter and, in particular, what steps he proposes to take to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. BarnesThe falling off in the volume of shipping using the South Wales ports in recent months has been due largely to the reduction in military traffic. My power to direct ships remains and will be used when necessary to avoid port congestion, and to ensure the rapid turn-round of shipping, but the selection of the port of discharge must depend primarily on the requirements of the receivers of the cargo.