§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Transport what reductions have been made in the schedules of coastwise freight rates since the termination of hostilities in Europe; and whether some further reduction will now be made.
§ Mr. BarnesReductions have been made in all schedules of coastwise tramp freight rates since the termination of hostilities in Europe. The reductions are too numerous to specify but they vary broadly from 5 per cent. on the West Coast to 30 per cent. on the South Coast where the improvement in trading conditions owing to the disappearance of war restrictions such as convoys has been the greatest. These rates are under constant review in the light of actual trading experience.
§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Transport to what extent freight rates for coastwise traffic are still fixed by reference 48W to a rigid schedule; and whether he will now substitute maximum freight rates to enable shipowners to quote lower freights than they are now compelled to charge, and thus restore some measure of competition.
§ Mr. BarnesSchedules of freight rates for coastwise cargoes carried by coastwise tramp shipping for the account of, or sponsored by His Majesty's Government, are fixed by me in relation to operating costs and I do not consider that, in present conditions, the substitution of maximum for fixed rates would produce any advantage. Freight rates on other coastwise tramp cargoes are not subject to my control.