§ 29. Mr. PETHERICK (for Mr. HER-BERT WILLIAMS)asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that of the nett tonnage of ships with cargoes entering and clearing United Kingdom ports from or to foreign countries the proportion which was British fell from 56 per cent. in 1913 to 49 per cent. in 1933; and under these circumstances what steps he proposes to take to defend British shipping engaged in the United Kingdom in foreign trade?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the question; as regards the second part, I cannot anticipate the statement which my right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position soon to make in this House.