§ Mr. Ottawayasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many cargoes were carried on behalf of Government Departments in the last 12 months, and how many were carried on (a) foreign-owned vessels and (b) British-owned vessels.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerCargoes are carried for Government Departments under a number of arrangements. It is estimated that, in the year to the end of September, about 30 per cent. by weight of the Government cargoes placed by the Government Freight Agent under his agreement with my Department were carried on foreign-registered vessels. Much of these cargoes were placed with British lines and consigned to foreign vessels under conference, pooling, charter or other arrangements.