§ 26. Mr. SHINWELLasked the President of the Board of Trade how much of the £2,000,000 subsidy for tramp shipping in 1935 was set aside for the purpose of depreciation and how much was devoted in payment of dividends?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThis information is not available.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWas it contemplated when this subsidy was first introduced that moneys voted by Parliament should be used for the purpose of paying dividends to shareholders?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt was to be used for the purposes set out in the Financial Resolution and the Act.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWas one of the purposes the provision of money for shareholders?
§ 27. Mr. SHINWELLasked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the shipping firms to whom the subsidy for tramp shipping has been paid and the sums expended in each case?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe final payments of subsidy for 1935 have not yet been made, but the information will be given when I am in a position to give it.
§ Mr. SHINWELLCan the right hon. Gentleman give the approximate date on which this information will be available to hon. Members?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt is desirable that the information should be complete, and as soon as it is complete it will be published.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it not desirable that, before making grants of public money, we should have information as to the financial position of the firms which are recipients of that money?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThat is a different question.
§ Mr. THURTLECan the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects to have this complete information?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, I cannot say that at present.