HC Deb 11 May 1932 vol 265 c1904
49. Mr. MITCHESON

asked the President of the Board of Trade which foreign Governments subsidise or otherwise assist their shipping industry and to what extent, respectively?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Many foreign Governments are now giving some form of assistance to their shipping, but the extent of this assistance could not be stated within the scope of an answer to a Parliamentary question. I will, however, send my hon. Friend a copy of a statement on this subject.

Mr. MITCHESON

Are these subsidised ships free, as far as this Government is concerned, to engage in the delivery of cargo to and from British ports in competition with British ships?

Mr. MANDER

Will not all ships be totally unnecessary before long?

Sir A. M. SAMUEL

Does my hon. Friend regard this subsidy as a tariff against this country?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I cannot do more than give my hon. Friend full information with regard to it.

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