§ 95. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the large unsatisfied demand for passages for British civilians who wish to return to Ceylon and the East; what number of passages are likely to be available during the next three months; and what steps he is taking to increase shipping accommodation.
§ Mr. BarnesI am aware of the large numbers of British civilians awaiting passages to Ceylon and the East. Every effort is being made to provide accommodation for these passengers, as for those to other destinations, within the limits imposed by our shipping resources. I expect more accommodation than hitherto to be available for Ceylon and the Far East in the next few months. I cannot at present give figures beyond the end of January, but before that date there will be some 300 berths available for Ceylon, and about the same number for Malaya and the Far East.