HC Deb 17 June 1924 vol 174 cc1932-3
5. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Germans can operate traffic on the high seas 50 per cent, cheaper than we can; and whether he has any information indicating the reasons for this difference of cost?

Mr. WEBB

I understand that the rates of wages paid to seamen on German vessels are considerably less than those currently paid to seamen of similar grades on British vessels. I am unable, however, to say what are the relations between the total costs of operating the ships in the two cases.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

What does the President of the Board of Trade propose to do with British commerce in that respect?

Mr. WEBB

The President of the Board of Trade proposes to do everything possible.

Viscount CURZON

When the right hon. Gentleman said that, the wages were lower, did he mean that they are lower actually in English money, or did he make allowance for the rate of exchange?

Mr. WEBB

The information which reaches the Board of Trade is not exact; but gold marks at the present time are rather above par, that is to say, British money has depreciated in relation to gold marks. That is the nearest calculation that can be made.