34 and 35. Major MILLS (for Sir CHARLES BARRIE)asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) if he is aware that the South African Government-owned steamers are competing in a rate war with other British established lines trading from the East Indies and the Far East to the Cape ports; and if the question of Government-owned steamers competing with privately-owned steamers will be raised at the Ottawa Conference;
(2) if he has any information as to the result of the operations of the vessels owned by the South African Government for the years [930–31 and 1931–32?
Mr. THOMASA few steamers owned by His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa are running in competition with privately-owned lines trading from the East Indies and the Far East to South African ports. Information as to the results of the operation of these vessels is set out in the report of the General Manager of Railways and Harbours of the Union of South Africa for the year ended 31st March, 1931, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. The report for the following year is not yet available. As has been explained, the Agenda of the Ottawa Conference is still under discussion, but I have no reason to think that this question will come up.
Major MILLSCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether losses or profits made by these vessels are debited or credited to the South African Government Railway Fund?