§ 87. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Transport in view of the food situation and the necessity for encouraging international trade, why the " Empress of Australia " had only 200 cases of soap in her forward hold on arrival at Singapore; and why the "Orangi" the " Charon " and the "Engor" which arrived in February, had empty cargo space.
§ Mr. Barnes" Empress of Australia " has space for about 1,000 tons of baggage, mails and cargo, which on the voyage in 73W question was fully occupied by baggage and mails. In February the "Aorangi " was employed on Naval service under the orders of the Naval Commander in the area and was not available for the carriage of cargo. The " Charon " made a voyage in February from Australia to Singapore with several intermediate ports of call. She was well filled on leaving Australia. I am unable to identify the vessel referred to as the "Engor."