HC Deb 09 June 1936 vol 313 cc20-1
35. Sir P. HANNON

asked the President of the Board of Trade what extra tonnage of cargo was carried between 1932 and 1936 by British ships as a result of the increase in outward and inward cargoes between the United Kingdom and those countries with which Ottawa Agreements were concluded; what proportion of this increased tonnage is represented by imports from the Dominions; and what approximately is the total freight value of such increase to British shipping?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I regret that the desired information is not available.

Mr. SHINWELL

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman is unable to say whether any advantage has accrued to British shipping from the Ottawa Agreements?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No. That would be a very foolish deduction.

Mr. SHINWELL

If that is a foolish deduction, would the right hon. Gentleman give us the right deduction?