§ 127. Mr. FIELDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a certain soap syndicate have purchased vessels to enable cheaper freights so that they may best their competitors in the trade; and, if so, whether the Government will consider the advisability of making a large purchase of vessels to enable them to reduce the freights now charged by shipping companies on food imports?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I am aware that private firms sometimes find it cheaper to buy ships than to hire them; but, as I explained to my hon. Friend on 12th October, the same consideration does not apply in the case of the Government, which already has full control over the ships without buying them.