MORE SHIPS NOW THAN COMMODITIES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 163, 12 July 1945, Page 5

MORE SHIPS NOW THAN COMMODITIES

BRITISH ASSURANCE "Able To Carry All Cargo Immediately" N.Z. Press Association —Copyright Rec. 12.30 p.m. LONDON, July 11. The shipping position has improved to such an extent since the end of the European war that there is more cargo-carrying space available to pick up food, oil and other commodities than there are supplies available, declared Lord Leathers, Minister of War Transport, at a Press conference. "The difficulty," he said, "is not the shortage of ship* ping, but the shortage of commodities. There are now plenty of ships and refrigerated space to take any food New Zealand and Australia can spare for the United Kingdom and Europe." Passenger Limitation Lord Leathers warned, however, that the shortage of passenger accommodation was acute, and likely to remain so, particularly for the next six months, during the redeployment of troops to the Pacific. Repatriated prisoners of war have been given the highest priority, which is the same as redeploying troops.

Regarding the provision of shipping for exports, Lord Leathers said that no Empire country need be discouraged from placing orders with this country for fear that the goods could not be carried. "We are able to carry all the cargo immediately," he said, "if the manufacturers are able to fulfil orders. There may, however, be temporary difficulties in providing shipping for large quantities of constructional materials or vehicles consigned to Australia or other territories which are still bases for military operations." • • Ships Required for Far East Explaining the reasons for improvement in the position, Lord Leathers revealed that the immediate effect of the abolition of the convoy system in the Atlantic represented a gain in dry cargo tonnage of approximately 1,500,000 deadweight tons and represented a 50 per cent increase in carrying capacity. The end of the European war, in addition, had made available 50 tankers which were previously immobilised in Sweden. Lord Leathers, however, pointed out that the main switch-over of forces from Europe to the Pacific had increased the voyage time and reduced carrying capacity. He said it was estimated that three times as many ships would be required to move men and materials to India as were able to carry the same numbers and quantities from the United States to the United Kingdom. Shipowners were now. permitted to build the types of ships best suited for their own trade. The fleets of the United Nations would continue to be pooled until six months after the end of the Japanese war, Lord Leathers added. He was confident that the British Merchant NaVy after the War would regain its pre-war position in world trade.