§ 16. Mr. EDEasked the President of the Board of Trade the total existing tonnage of British sailing and mechanically-propelled vessels, respectively, built up to 31st December, 1921, and since that date, respectively; and what steps he proposes to take to secure the scrapping of obsolescent vessels and their replacement by new vessels?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERAccording to Lloyd's Register of Shipping the total tonnage of steam and motor vessels of 100 tons gross and over owned in Great Britain and Ireland on the 30th June,4 1931, was 20,193,677 tons gross; of this total 11,183,182 tons were built before 187 July, 1921. Comparative figures for sailing vessels are not available. As regards the second part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the report of the committee appointed by my predecessor to inquire into the economic factors involved in the disposal of old ships and their replacement by new. In view of this report I do not propose to take any action in the matter.