§ 6. Mr. LEWISasked the President of the Board of Trade which countries confine their coastal trade to ships under their own flag?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAccording to the information in my possession, the principal countries in which the coasting trade is absolutely reserved to national vessels are France, Greece, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Japan, United States of America and Argentina. Brazil and Chile, whilst reserving their coasting trades to national vessels, permit foreign vessels to carry passengers between their ports. The Dominion of Canada reserves its coasting trade to British vessels.
§ Mr. LEWISHaving regard to the large quantity of goods carried in vessels flying foreign flags in our coastal trade, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is not desirable to make some such rule for ourselves?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANLater on the Order Paper there is a question on that point.
§ 9. Mr. CLARRYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the maritime regulations of other countries concerning British ships engaged in their coastal trade, he will consider proposals having as their object the development and maintenance of British coastal trade by ships of British registry and ownership?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAny proposals having this object will certainly receive con- 644 sideration. I would point out, however, that, of the total tonnage of vessels that arrived and departed coastwise with cargoes at ports in the United Kingdom in 1930, less than 1 per cent. was foreign.
§ Mr. REMERWill the right hon. Gentleman consider not only making it a voyage in the United Kingdom but also in the British Empire?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThat is a very much larger consideration, to which I cannot be expected to reply without notice.