§ Mr. David Huntasked the Secretary of State for Trade, in the light of the fact 541W that cargo is now being accepted for Mombasa at the Tower Wharf, North fleet for the Russian vessel "Anatoly Lunacharsky" when similar British vessels are strikebound, if he will assess the consequent loss to British shipping in the important East African trade if this situation continues.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe handling of cargo at this relatively small river wharf has not been hampered to any appreciable extent during the present industrial dispute. The Soviet Besta Line uses this wharf in running a fortnightly service to East Africa and the "Anatoly Lunacharsky" will be loading cargo for next week. It is too early to judge whether cargo is being diverted to Besta Line on any more than a short term basis. First indications are that such diversions will be very limited.
§ Mr. David Huntasked the Secretary of State for Trade what estimate he has made of the total loss of revenue to date for the British shipping industry as a result of the recent industrial disputes in the road haulage and related industries.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisI am not in a position at present to estimate the loss of revenue for the British shipping industry due to this industrial dispute.