HC Deb 18 December 1934 vol 296 cc955-6
35. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Postmaster-General whether the arrangements have been completed for intermediate despatches of mails for West Africa to be carried by German and Dutch vessels; and whether, as this will mean about half of the consignments of mails from Liverpool now carried by British steamship companies will be handed over to foreign competitors, he will consider the adverse effect of this on British shipping and on employment of dock workers in this depressed area?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Ernest Bennett)

It is the case that intermediate despatches are now being made to West Africa by certain German and Dutch vessels, in view of the appreciable acceleration to letters which can thereby be obtained at certain periods. I do not anticipate that this will affect more than a small proportion of the overseas mails from Liverpool, and the second part of the question does not therefore arise.

Mr. DAVIES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the right hon. Gentleman the President of the Board of Trade has asked Parliament for £2,000,000 for a shipping subsidy, and is it right therefore that another Department of State should be giving work to foreign shipping companies?

Sir E. BENNETT

I do not think that that arises out of the original question.