§ 39. Sir PARK GOFFasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the total increase of purchases of British cement by the board of the Suez Canal Company for the period 1929 to 1933 as compared with the period 1924 to 1929?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLESo far as I am aware, the company purchased no British cement prior to 1931. Since that date I am informed that continuous deliveries of United Kingdom cement have been made but I am not in a position to give the total quantity. I am communicating with the company to ascertain what particulars may be available for publication.
§ 48. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what would be the approximate annual 1327 cost of refunding to British shipowners that part of the Suez Canal tolls paid by them which represents profits as opposed to maintenance and repairs?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)In view of the large use made of the canal by British shipping I imagine that the refund suggested (which I have indicated in reply to an earlier question by my hon. Friend that I could not contemplate) would absorb the whole of the amount at present received by the British Exchequer.
§ Captain MACDONALDMay I ask whether any steps have been taken to try to get the fees on British shipping reduced?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI think I have already answered that question on a previous occasion.
§ Sir A. M. SAMUELIs it not now plain that the many questions in this House with reference to the Suez Canal point to the fact that the management of the canal is not satisfactory from the point of view of British commercial interests?