HC Deb 17 July 1934 vol 292 cc921-2
8. Mr. STOREY

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the net tonnage of vessels which arrived at United Kingdom ports with cargo from Russian ports during the six months ended 30th June, 1934, was British; and whether this figure is an increase on the figure for the six months ended 30th June, 1933?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)

Of the net tonnage of vessels that entered with cargo at United Kingdom ports. from Russian ports during the six months ended 30th June, 1934, 15.5 per cent. was British. The corresponding proportion for the six months ended 30th June, 1933. was 7.1 per cent.

Mr. STOREY

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with this increased use of British shipping under the Russian Trade Agreement?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The full effect of the agreement is not yet seen, but we have doubled the number of ships chartered for this purpose, which is remarkable.

9. Mr. NEIL MACLEAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of British ships chartered by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on time charter and on single freight charter, respectively, for the six months ended 30th June, 1934; and the figures for the same period in 1932 and 1933, respectively?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

According to figures supplied by the Soviet organisation in this country, the numbers are as follow:

— Time Charter. Single freight Charter.
6 months to 30th June, 1932. 19 146
6 months to 30th June, 1933. — 26
5 months to 31st May, 1934. (Figures for June not yet available.) 31 179