HC Deb 08 December 1919 vol 122 cc883-4
16. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that by direction of the Ministry of Shipping British steamers carry wheat from the Argentine to this country at 62s. 6d. per ton, and that rates of freight earned by other steamers to Continental ports are about 200s. per ton; whether he is aware that all these steamers obtain bunker coal from British coaling depots at the Argentine and en en route to ports of discharge at the same price; whether he can see his way, with a view to reducing the price of food in this country, to arrange to charge all steamers bringing food to this country at the Ministry of Shipping rate of freight the same price for bunker coal, but charging a higher price for bunker coal to steamers carrying cargoes to other countries at the greatly enhanced rates of freight; and whether he is aware that a precedent for such action has been established by the action of the United States authorities in refusing to supply bunker coal to foreign steamships (British) until after American steamers have been supplied?

Sir A. GEDDES

The points raised by the hon. Member have been prominently before me for some time and have received and are receiving most careful consideration, both by the Board of Trade and the Shipping Controller. At present I am unable to discover any satisfactory and fair method of carrying out the suggestions put forward. The points will, however, not be lost sight of.

Mr. HOUSTON

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that anything that can be done to reduce the price of food in this country is desirable, and that by obtaining the enhanced prices suggested in this question he would also help the financial position?

Sir A. GEDDES

There are no two opinions as to the desirability of reducing the price of food and other necessaries, but the suggestion put forward in this question is s very difficult one to carry out.

Earl WINTERTON

Are not high height rates very largely responsible for the high prices of food?

Sir A. GEDDES

That is not the case. The freight at which food is carried on Government account is quite a low freight. In same cases it is right down to cost, and the shipowner who actually carries it gets no profit. One of the causes of the high prices of food is, of course, the exchange.