HC Deb 23 November 1927 vol 210 cc1778-9
59. Mr. WADDINGTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any associations have been formed to protect the interests of British exporters in dealing with the shipping conferences as recommended by the Imperial Shipping Committee's Report, 1922; and, if such associations have not been formed, will he ask the Imperial Shipping Committee to further consider the complaints of the disparities in freight rates between exports from Continental and British ports?

Sir B. CHADWICK

I understand that no such associations have been formed other than those mentioned in the Report referred to. If in any trade shippers can establish a general case for inquiry, I shall be prepared to consider whether it can properly be submitted to the Imperial Shipping Committee.

60. Mr. WADDINGTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the shipping freight on cotton goods from Liverpool to Alexandria is 50s. per measurement ton and from Antwerp to Alexandria is only 15s. per measurement ton; and will he take steps, through the Imperial Shipping Committee or otherwise, to secure the removal of this handicap to British producers?

Sir B. CHADWICK

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given yesterday by the President of the Board of Trade to the hon. Member for Dundee (Mr. Johnston), a copy of which I am sending him.

Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

With the hon. Member's special knowledge, is he satisfied with the present position in regard to these freights?

Sir B. CHADWICK

I rely upon my own experience and the recommendation of the Royal Commission, which was supported by the Imperial Committee in their Report in 1922, which said that this is an inter-trade matter, and it would not be proper for a Government Department to intervene.

Mr. WADDINGTON

Is it not a fact that in the Report to which the hon. Member has alluded it was specially stated that this was the first method to be tried, the formation of associations, and that if that failed there should be direct action of the Board of Trade.

Sir B. CHADWICK

Yes, Sir, but I have informed the hon. Member that I do not think that the method ever has been exhaustively tried by the trade. I do not think they have formed the associations recommended.