§ 22. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the representatives of the sea coasting trade have been consulted in the preliminary discussions which led up to the introduction of the Bill to amend the laws relating to the carriage of goods by sea; and whether, in the present state of trade in this country, he will reconsider a scheme which sets up complicated machinery which will handicap the coasting trade?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe discussions which led up to the Sea Carriage of Goods Bill took place mainly outside the Board of Trade, and there was no question of the Department consulting particular sections of shipowners or of any other interest concerned. The question whether it is necessary or desirable to make some special reference to the coasting trade in the Bill is one which could be dealt with on the Committee stage of the Bill.
§ Mr. HANNONWill the Noble Lord consult the coasting trade to ascertain their views on this very important question?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe history of this Bill is a series of international and trade conferences. Throughout, the Board of Trade has done its best to bring the parties together and to adjust differences. But we have not been in the position of drafting a Bill and consulting the various interests.
§ Mr. HANNONWill the Noble Lord realise the importance of this matter to the people in the coasting trade, in view of the competition of the railways?
§ Viscount WOLMERWe do fully realise it, and we are now awaiting representations from, the interests concerned as to the modifications they would desire to see made in the Bill to meet their case.
§ Mr. STURROCKIs it not a general fact that this Government is pledged absolutely against any sort of measure of Protection? [HON MEMBERS: "No!"]