48. Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a German firm has obtained the option of purchase of the Red Star Line; and whether there is any obstacle in the way of these ships being transferred from the British flag?
§ Dr. BURGINI have no information as to whether a German firm has obtained an option to purchase the vessels to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, and there is, so far as I am aware, no obstacle to the transfer of these ships from the British flag.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYAre we to take it as a precedent that, if the Government take a financial interest in an industry, they will subsequently do everything in their power to prevent competition arising in that industry?
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLIs it not a fact that, while there is no obstacle in the way of transferring from the British flag, obstacles have been put in the way of this line coming under the British flag?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLCould we have an answer to these questions?
§ Dr. BURGINI think that both are questions that might be put on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLCould an opportunity be given to discuss this important matter and the principles involved?
61. Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the imminent danger of a German firm completing the purchase of the Red Star Line and competing with the White Star-Cunard Merger Company, he will reconsider the withdrawal of the ban from the proposed supplementary service?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Duff Cooper)My right hon. Friend is of the opinion that the rationalisation of the British share in the North Atlantic trade is the most effective means of meeting foreign competition, and he is accordingly unable to modify the view he has already expressed on this matter.
Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENWill the hon. Gentleman consider using the same tactics to prevent foreign firms getting financial assistance as he does to prevent British firms?
§ Sir PERCY HARRISDoes the hon. Gentleman feel that his policy of refusing to allow English trade to be extended without any authority from Parliament is justified?
§ Mr. COOPERThe matter has been already discussed in the House of Commons.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYMay we take it that it is the policy of the Government now to take steps to prevent any future competition arising within this country in the North Atlantic trade?
§ Sir ALFRED BEITDoes the hon. Gentleman consider that foreign competition will be met by fortifying it?
Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENI beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment on the earliest possible date.