§ 64. Captain SOTHERON-ESTCOURTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the increasing competition of foreign motor ships, principally Dutch, in the British coastal trade along the East Coast; whether he can give any statistics as to the extent of such trade; and whether, in these circumstances, he will consider extending the subsidy to British coastal shipping?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)My attention has been called to the competition of foreign motor vessels in the coasting trade of the United Kingdom, but I am not aware that such competition is increasing. Statistics as to the extent of the coasting trade along the East Coast are not readily available. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative, for the reasons which I gave in this House during the Debate on the British Shipping (Assistance) Money Resolution on 4th December.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIn view of the controversy which exists as to the competition in the coasting trade, will the right hon. Gentleman arrange for a special record to be kept of coasting vessels clearing at East Coast ports for a period of some months?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes, that will certainly be done, but it will not give, the information which I feel sure my hon. Friend desires, that is, the actual traffic.