§ MR. CURRAN (Durham, Jarrow)To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the subsidies being paid by the Government to various shipping companies, and the present high Atlantic shipping rates, consideration will be given to the advisability of fixing maximum rates for British ships sailing from British ports.
(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) My hon. friend has asked me to reply to this Question. The so-called subsidies referred to in the Question are, generally speaking, payments for services rendered, and these payments would presumably have to be increased if a limitation of rates were imposed as a condition. The subject of combinations of shipowners to maintain rates by a system of deferred rebates is at present being considered by a Royal Commission. I do not, as at present advised, propose to take any further action in the matter.