HC Deb 24 November 1932 vol 272 cc224-5
21. Mr. DENVILLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the sale of old ships to foreign owners; and whether he will consider the desirability of seeking powers to ensure that such ships shall be broken up in this country?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)

I see no reason for differing from the conclusions reached by the Committee on Obsolete Tonnage, which, in April, 1931, reported against any restriction on freedom of sale.

Mr. MARTIN

Surely April, 1931, is not the same as the present day, and would it not be an economy to put forward some proposition such as this?

22. Mr. MARTIN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to take steps to ensure that shipowners shall break up obsolete ships at present lying idle, both to relieve unemployment and to enable the giving of orders for new tonnage to be built without delay?

23. Miss WARD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the depression in the shipbuilding in- dustry, he will take steps to ensure the breaking up of obsolete tonnage by shipowners; and whether the Government will consider encouraging the immediate laying down of new ships, any companies so doing to receive at any rate the sum which would otherwise be disbursed in unemployment benefit and transitional payments?

Dr. BURGIN

Proposals of this kind have been fully considered from time to time and I see no reason to differ from the conclusion arrived at that such action is not advisable.

Mr. MARTIN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that such a scheme is in operation in other countries in Europe and working successfully, and would it not be a good thing to try it in this country?

Dr. BURGIN

The proposal has been fully considered here and has been. reported against.

Miss WARD

May we expect some declaration of policy by the Government before long in order to assist the shipbuilding industry?

Dr. BURGIN

It is no solution to a glut of tonnage to build more.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Have the Government made up their minds that they are not going to do anything to assist shipbuilding and engineering at the moment?