HC Deb 03 March 1936 vol 309 cc1167-8
13. Mr. MALCOLM MacMILLAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that owners of vessels already condemned for demolition have taken advantage of the financial assistance provisions of the British Shipping (Assistance) Act; and whether he will demand closer scrutiny of claims for assistance in demolition of vessels?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE. (Mr. Runciman)

Provided that a proposal to demolish and to build fulfils the specific requirements of the Act, it has to be decided whether the acceptance of the proposal will be in the general interest of British shipping. In this connection the question whether a particular ship proposed for demolition is a potential competitor is one of the factors to be taken into account, and like all other factors is given close consideration. No ship has been accepted under the scheme once it has been sold to breakers.

33. Mr. THURTLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many ships over 35 years of age have been scrapped under the provisions of the British Shipping (Assistance) Act; and how many of these were in foreign ownership before they were acquired by applicant shipowners for nomination under the scheme?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Of the 74 vessels of approximately 282,500 tons gross which have been nominated for demolition, 18 of approximately 36,500 tons gross are over 35 years of age; 17 of these 18 vessels were purchased from foreign owners by the applicants concerned.

Mr. THURTLE

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is somewhat of a scandal that the money of British taxpayers should be used for demolition of these very ancient foreign ships?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am afraid that my hon. Friend has not got hold of the story correctly. No British money is used for the demolition of these foreign ships.

Mr. THURTLE

Is not a subsidy paid to the owners who bought the vessels originally from foreign sources?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No, Sir; there is no subsidy paid for the purpose of demolition.

Mr. GARRO-JONES

Do they not displace British ships which might in their place have been scrapped?

Viscountess ASTOR

No.