§ 63. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the provision of credit guarantees for the sale of old British merchant ships to foreigners is still under consideration; and, if so, whether the representatives of the British seamen will be consulted before coming to a conclusion?
§ Mr. W. R. SMITHThe question of giving credit guarantees in respect of the sale of existing shipping to foreign interests is being considered in connection with proposals for similar credit facilities in respect of the building of new ships and I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that all relevant considerations will be taken into account.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill my hon. Friend answer the last part of my question, as to whether the representatives of the British seamen will be consulted on this matter?
§ Mr. SMITHI said that all relevant considerations would be taken into account, and I think that among other relevant considerations the seamen would be considered.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill my hon. Friend assure me that the seamen will be taken into consultation as being the people most concerned in this matter?
§ Mr. SMITHI do not think I can go further than to say that, if British seamen have any representations to make on this matter, their representations will be heard.