18. Lieut.-Colonel MOOREasked the President of the Board of Trade whether an early opportunity is to be taken to provide some measure of assistance to the shipbuilding industry?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo special measures of assistance to the shipbuilding industry are under consideration by His Majesty's Government.
Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIn view of the stagnant state of this great industry, would not the right hon. Gentleman and his advisers consider the question of limiting the life of ships, and possibly of establishing some co-operation such as the National Securities Corporation for the purpose of buying up obsolete tonnage?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThere has already been an inquiry into the subject of obsolete ships, but no recommendations that we could take advantage of have yet been made.
§ Mr. McGOVERNWill the right hon. Gentleman do something to increase the purchasing power of the people, as the best way of getting the shipping industry on its feet?