§ MR. BELL (Derby)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the action of 460 a number of steamship companies in Liverpool, known as the Conference Lines, in notifying traders that the rate of their freight will be increased as much as 75 per cent. unless they will sign an agreement binding themselves to ship exclusively by them, in which case the present rate will hold good; and whether, in the interest of the commerce of this country, he will take steps to prevent such action.
§ MR. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy Burghs)At the same time, may I ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists among South African traders in regard to the methods recently adopted by a group of South African shipping companies; and whether, with the view of preventing injury to the trading interests of South Africa, he has taken or intends to take any action in the matter.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)I will answer the Question put by the hon. Member for Derby, and that put by the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy Burghs together, and I assume the former refers to the same matter as the latter. If such an arrangement as that referred to has been made, the Board of Trade would not have power to intervene. I recognise, however, that the matter is one of public interest, and will watch further developments.
§ SIR WILLIAM ALLAN (Gateshead)Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider this a system of direct commercial boycotting?
§ MR. DALZIELAs to the Board of Trade having no power to intervene, is it not possible for them, if satisfied that discontent exists, to make a recommendation with regard to the subsidy?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe question of subsidy would be a matter for the parties concerned, and not for the Board of Trade.
§ MR. DALZIELThey could make a recommendation, surely?