§ SIR W. EVANS GORDON (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)On behalf of the hon. Member for Darlington, I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether His Majesty's Government have considered the probable effect which the Subsidy Bill, now before the American House of Representatives, will have on the shipping and ship-building industry of this country; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any steps in regard to it.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANHis Majesty's Government are not able to say what will probably be the effect of the Subsidy Bill, in the event of its becoming law. If the Bill passes, its consequences will, of course, be carefully watched. The Government do not see that any useful action could be taken by them in the matter.