§ 16. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has 11 considered the statement embodied in the Report of Lord d'Abernon's mission to South America on the subject of ocean-carrying trade between the Argentine and this country; and if, in view of the de-pressed condition of the shipping industry in Great Britain, he can indicate any action which would prevent the whole of the trade in grain being in the hands of Continental shippers and 60 per cent. of the trade in meat being handled by United States agencies?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMMeat from the Argentine to this country is carried almost exclusively in British ships and grain mainly in British ships. Last year over 77 per cent. of the tonnage entering United Kingdom ports with cargoes from the Argentine was British. The hon. Member will thus see that the statement on page 26 of the Report referred to, that as regards the River Plate cargo trade British shipping holds its place, is fully justified.