Sir HENRY DALZIELasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that shipowners are in some cases asking as much as 50 per cent. increase in freight rates on exports to foreign countries, and whether, in view of the fact that such increase makes successful competition practically impossible, and must inevitably result in large dismissals of workmen, he will undertake to give his attention to the matter with a view to securing a material reduction in freight charges?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I am aware that there has been some increase of freight rates, which in many cases is not altogether unnatural in view of the increase of shipowners' expenses due to the war. If my right hon. Friend has any cases in mind in which he thinks the increases have been unreasonable perhaps he will furnish me with particulars.
Sir H. DALZIELI will furnish some instances, and hope the right hon. Gentleman will inquire into them.