§ 51. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of British coastal trade is carried by foreign ships; and whether he has evidence to show if this has increased during the last six months?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)Of the total net tonnage of the arrivals and departures with cargo in the coasting trade of the United Kingdom during the 10 months ended October, 1934, 0.8 per cent. related to foreign vessels. The proportions for individual months varied from 1.4 per cent. in February to 0.5 per cent. in July. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.
§ Commander MARSDENAre not those figures taken from the returns of all the ships which technically come under the heading of coastal trade, which includes many big ships; and may I ask whether the same proportions exist in the smaller ships, of 250 tons and under, engaged in the coastal trade?
§ Dr. BURGINI could not answer that question without notice. The particulars which I have given relate to the net tonnage of vessels in the coastal trade entering and leaving ports.
§ Mr. DICKIEHaving regard to the lack of definite knowledge on this particular matter and the frequency with which it arises in the House could not the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of altering the method in which the statistics are compiled, so that we may actually know the tonnage whether in or out?
§ Dr. BURGINI must protest at the suggestion that there is any lack of definite knowledge. If the question is made definite, I will give a definite reply. I was asked a question as to the total coasting trade. If the hon. and gallant Member desires information as to vessels of any particular tonnage and will say so, there should be no difficulty in giving an answer.
§ Mr. DICKIEIs it not a fact that these figures relate to the gross tonnage entering and leaving the ports and have no relation to the tonnage carried in or out?
§ Dr. BURGINThat is quite another question.