§ 35. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade what answer he has received from the shipping industry in respect of his proposal to scrap old tramp tonnage and to build new tonnage to replace a part of the scrapped tonnage?
§ Dr. BURGINMy right hon. Friend hopes very shortly to make a statement on the Government's policy in regard to 794 British shipping, and I prefer not to anticipate that statement.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSCould the hon. Gentleman in the meantime indicate what response the shipping industry has given to the proposals to scrap and build?
§ Dr. BURGINThat is another matter. It is hoped that the right hon. Gentleman the President of the Board of Trade will be able to make a comprehensive statement on shipping policy. It is only a matter of days. He is working in accordance with programme, and "very shortly" means what it says.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI have not asked what the proposals are. I have merely asked in my supplementary question what is contained in the original question.
§ Dr. BURGINThe answer will be found in the statement when made.