§ 41. Mr. CRAVEN-ELLISasked the President of the Board of Trade if the Government have had an opportunity of considering the information which has been supplied to them by the shipping industry; and, if so, are they now in a position to inform this House what policy they propose to protect Empire shipping from the competition of foreign shipping subsidies?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am not yet in a position to add anything to the answers which have been given to previous questions on this subject. The point put by my hon. Friend in the latter part of his question is not the only aspect of this important matter which is receiving attention.
§ Mr. CRAVEN-ELLISHow soon shall we know the policy of the Government on this matter?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot name a definite date, but no time is being lost.
§ Mr. STOREYDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that the hopes which his recent speech has encouraged of a scrapping and rebuilding programme with Government assistance is causing shipowners to hold back in ordering ships, and will he take steps to hasten a decision and, if necessary, to make up the shipowners' minds for them?
§ Lieut.-Commander AGNEWCan my right hon. Friend say whether the rumours which appeared in the evening newspapers last evening have any foundation in fact?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid I did not see them.