16. Captain ARTHUR EVANSasked the President of the Board of Trade what action is intended, in response to the invitations from the Danish, Netherlands, Norwegian and Swedish Ministers, to cooperate in remedying the evils from which the shipping industry is suffering, having regard particularly to the shrinking of world trade and the uneconomic competition of subsidised vessels; and whether the Government will convene a meeting with a view to discussing the abolition of subsidies in the industry and adjusting 302 the supply of tonnage to actual world requirements?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)The communications referred to are receiving consideration.
Captain EVANSMay I ask my hon. Friend if, when considering the matter, he will bear in mind the excellent speech of Sir Archibald Hurd on this very point?
§ Dr. BURGINOf course my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that these four countries who made the representations to which this question relates are the four countries who, at the World Economic Conference, supported the British Government in regard to their policy. The matter will be much more important when any country that is a subsidy-granting country is willing to make similar representations.
Captain EVANSMay I ask my hon. Friend if, in his opinion, any circumstances have arisen between the termination of the World Economic Conference and the present time which justify the present invitation from the countries concerned?
§ Dr. BURGINI think that that question hardly calls for a reply from me.