8. Miss WARDasked the President of the Board of Trade the aggregate tonnage of British-owned ships sold abroad for breaking-up purposes in the years 799 1931, 1932, 1933, and for the nine months ended September, 1934; also the amount of foreign scrap imported into this country in the corresponding years?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr.Runciman)I will circulate as soon as possible, in the OFFICIAL REPORT, such particulars as are available.
9. Miss WARDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to inform the House what response he has received to the announcement of the Government's scrap and build scheme; and whether the indicated support warrants the introduction of the necessary legislation?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANVarious inquiries have been received in regard to this scheme. No decision has yet been taken as to the introduction of legislation, but the Government is still prepared to' cooperate with the shipowners in the matter if they so desire.
Miss WARDCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the Government will be in a position to come to a decision?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid I cannot at the moment.