HC Deb 14 November 1933 vol 281 cc721-2
30. Sir FRANK SANDERSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in order to restore our shipping industry and to conserve our own interests, he will consider making it compulsory that imports into this country for our own market shall be carried in our own ships by taking foreign arrivals at British ports in proportion to the subsidy they enjoy or, alternately, by instituting subsidies ourselves?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 9th November to the hon. and gallant Member for Cardiff South (Captain A. Evans).

43. Mr. RANKIN

asked the President of the Board of Trade with regard to the representations made to him from British shipping interests as to the action of the South African Government in subsidising two Italian shipping lines, what has been the nature of his reply?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Shipowners' Parliamentary Committee was informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs that the question was engaging the earnest attention of the Government and that such action as is possible in the matter was being taken. The Government have communicated with His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa, whose reply has been received and is under consideration.