§ Mr. Yorkasked the Minister of War Transport why he is unable to allot more ships and berths for British and South African nationals on the lines serving South Africa; whether he is aware of the long waiting list for these lines; and whether he anticipates any alleviation of the situation this year.
§ Mr. BarnesLarge numbers of passenger ships have been converted for use as troopships and will continue to be needed for this purpose for some time to come, and until they can be released and reconditioned, accommodation for civilian passengers must inevitably be short. The available passenger space is allotted as equitably as possible on the various routes concerned, with due regard to the numbers of priority and essential passengers awaiting movement on each route. South Africa's needs receive the same consideration as those of other destinations.