39. Mr. J. HOPEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the high price of food and the freights at present prevailing, he will consider the propriety of introducing legislative proposals for restricting British ships from undertaking trade voyages between foreign ports?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I doubt the necessity, at any rate at present, for legislation to restrict the trades in which British ships may engage, but the suggestion of the hon. Member will be borne in mind.
Mr. HOPEHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement on the authority of Mr. Ismay, with the estimate that for every 100 British ships doing trade from the United Kingdom there are forty doing trade between foreign countries?
Mr. RUNCIMANNo, I have not seen the estimate. I am afraid that I have no means of checking the figures.