HC Deb 09 April 1936 vol 310 cc2935-6
23. Captain P. MACDONALD

asked the Minister of Health whether in view of the fact that during the first two months of 1936 the net tonnage of foreign vessels engaged in the inter-port trade of this country increased by, approximately, 100 per cent. as compared with the corresponding periods of 1934 and 1935, he will advise local authorities both to increase their use of coastal shipping services and to accord a voluntary preference for British ships?

Sir K. WOOD

I will consider my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion in consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

39. Captain P. MACDONALD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that during the first two months of 1936 the net tonnage of foreign vessels engaged in the inter-port trade of this country increased by approximately 100 per cent. as compared with the corresponding periods of 1934 and 1935, he will consider the introduction of a system to compel all British users of foreign coastal shipping to obtain a licence, such licence not to be available in the case of those industries enjoying any form of special State assistance?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)

I am always prepared to consider any practicable means of assisting British shipping, but I do not think that this proposal is likely to have that effect.

Captain MACDONALD

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a great deal of this coastal trade is conducted by people who are in receipt of State assistance, and, as the Minister of Health has given an undertaking to consult the Board of Trade on the question, could not some orders be issued to the effect that preference should be given to British shipping in this trade?

Dr. BURGIN

I do not think that any useful result would be likely to follow from putting some handicap in the way of a State-aided industry. Surely, if an industry receives State aid, it would be wrong to hamper it. If that were done it might extend still further the time during which State assistance is required.

Captain MACDONALD

Does the Parliamentary Secretary think it right to give State aid to British shipping and State aid to British industries, and at the same time help foreign shipping to compete with this State-aided industry?

Dr. BURGIN

Obviously that matter cannot be argued in supplementary questions and answers, but the hon. and gallant Member will find that State aid is not given to coastal shipping.