§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware that the Belgian Government is having swift steamships built to carry Belgian agricultural produce to the British market at nominal freights: And, in such case, what steps he proposes to take to prevent such foreign agricultural produce being conveyed to London at preferential rates over home produce?
§ MR. RITCHIEI understand that the Belgian Government are making arrangements with the Société Cockerill for a service of cargo steamers between Ostend and the Thames. They are not to be large vessels, but of 600 to 700 tons, with a speed of 10 or 12 knots. There will be no subsidy.
MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)asked whether he was right in thinking that, whilst there might be no actual subsidy given, the agreement included preferential rates over the Belgian State lines, which practically constituted a subsidy?
§ MR. RITCHIEYes, Sir; I believe that is true, and that very easy terms are afforded for through rates on the Belgian lines.
MR. FIELDasked whether it was the case that these charges were practically subsidies which were granted by the Belgian Government in consequence of the fact that these vessels were built in Belgium and gained the shipping bounty?
§ MR. RITCHIEWe have no information of that kind, but if the hon. Gentleman will put a Question upon the Paper I will endeavour to answer it.