§ 5. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the resolution which was adopted by the Chamber of Shipping at its annual meeting, on 1st March, urging that the Government, after consultation with the Dominions, should limit the enjoyment of Imperial preference to goods imported in ships belonging to countries which give fair play to British exports and British shipping; and if any action in this direction is contemplated?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on the 6th March to the hon. and gallant Member for Ayr Burghs (Lieut.-Colonel Moore) and to the hon. Members for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis) and Sunderland (Mr. Storey). Mr. HANNON: May we assume that this important subject is continuously engaging the right hon. Gentleman's attention and that he will shortly make some statement as to the policy of the Government in relation to it?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf my hon. Friend has recollected what I said on 6th March, I think he will have gathered that this subject is under consideration in consultation with the shipping industry at the present time.