§ 21. Mr. MORLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will prepare and secure adequate finance for schemes to construct new passenger and mail ships and cargo and fishing vessels, to provide alternative employment for those workers displaced by the reduction in naval armaments?
§ 36. Mr. RAYNESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increasing unemployment among iron and steel shipbuilders consequent upon the slowing-down of the building of warships, he is prepared to assist in providing alternative employment by guaranteeing loans for the building of ships necessary to maintain and develop our national and international trade?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Snowden)I have been asked to answer. The suggestion made cannot be divorced from the general question of State financial assistance to industry generally. Upon this I am not able to add to the statements of policy already made on behalf of the Government.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAm I to understand that the position in regard to shipbuilding is final, or is it temporary? Will it be open to consideration later on?
§ Mr. SNOWDENOf course, if circumstances should change, the Government will always be ready to take the changed circumstances into account.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs this matter being left entirely to the Admiralty, or are the Government going to put forward proposals for alternative work?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI do not think that question arises.
§ Mr. EDEHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the disadvantage of shipbuilders in this country having to compete with countries like Northern Ireland and Scandinavia, where trading facilities are in existence?