§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Transport what representations have been made to him in regard to the present delays in some British ports in handling both inward and outward cargoes; to what extent have these delays neutralised the large sums expended on the construction of fast ships and up-to-date methods of cargo stowage by reducing the number of round voyages these ocean-going ships can perform in 12 monthly periods; and if he can now give any comparative figures of British and Continental port operating.
§ Mr. BarnesRepresentations about delays in British ports have been made to me by shipping interests. Unnecessary delays in our ports, as a result of unofficial strikes and other causes occur to a regrettable extent. Similar delays occur in ports abroad. These must necessarily detract from the advantages in improvement of ship design involving additional capital cost, but it is not practicable to estimate the amount. Comparative figures of British and Continental port operation are not available, and having regard to the wide differences in circumstances and conditions of port operation here and abroad this is understandable.