§ 5 and 6. PHILIP RICHARDSONasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) under what authority does the Shipping Federation make a levy of 6d. per gross ton upon British shipping; for what purposes is this levy made; how much has already been spent on these objects what percentage of the amount is absorbed in expenses; and how much does the reserve fund arising from this levy amount to;
(2) whether the Shipping Federation gave any assistance to the Port of London authority or to shipowners by providing labour for the discharge of steamers during the recent general strike?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI will answer these questions together. The objects for which the Shipping Federation is established are stated in the memorandum of association, and its powers to make a levy on its members are stated in the articles of association. These documents can be inspected at the Companies Registry, Somerset House. I have no information on the other subjects mentioned in the questions.
§ Mr. SEXTONIs it a fact that this Federation is a registered trade union, and that the 6d. is a political levy, and does it make any return to the Registrar-General?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have not the least idea, but it is not a Government organisation, and I cannot answer for it.