§ LORD LYLE OF WESTBOURNEasked His Majesty's Government whether in view of the present very unsatisfactory facilities which exist for the provision of sea or air passages between this country and Jamaica urgent arrangements can be made to provide better facilities; and whether any particular steps can be taken to bring to an end the present system under which half the, shipping accommodation available is allowed to Service personnel.
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COLONIAL AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF LISTOWEL)The s.s. "Georgic" with480WA adequate capacity to clear the back-log for sea passages has recently called at Jamaica on her return from Australia. It is hoped to provide additional outward and homeward accommodation on a troopship sailing in the late autumn. The addition in the immediate future of a new ship to serve exclusively the Eastern Caribbean will release additional accommodation for passengers to Jamaica on other ships serving that area and the Colony. The question of shipping accommodation for Service personnel is at present under consideration by the Departments concerned.
As regards air passages special arrangements have already been made to meet the temporary difficulties which have arisen as a result of the withdrawal of the Tudor aircraft from passenger service.
House adjourned at three minutes before eleven o'clock.