§ 44. Mr. MUFF (for Mr. WINDSOR)asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the large increase in the number of foreign ships trading between British ports, particularly in the seed potato and coal carrying trades; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Dr. BURGINI have no information regarding the position in the two trades to which the hon. Member refers, but the official returns show that there has been in recent months an increase in the tonnage of vessels under foreign flags arriving at and departing from United Kingdom ports with cargo in the coasting trade. With regard to the second part of the question, I am not aware of any useful action which it is practicable for the Government to take.
§ Mr. SHINWELLCan the hon. Gentleman say whether any representation has been made on this matter by the British Chamber of Shipping?
§ Dr. BURGINNot that I am aware of, but if the hon. Gentleman will put a question down I will have inquiries made.
§ 53. Mr. MUFF (for Mr. WINDSOR)asked the President of the Board of Trade the total tonnage of foreign vessels arriving and departing from British ports for the months of January and February, 1935, and 1936, respectively?
§ Dr. BURGINThe aggregate net tonnage of foreign vessels which arrived at or departed from ports in the United Kingdom in the foreign and coasting trades in January and February, 1936, amounted to 15,319,000, the corresponding figure for last year being 14,304,000 tons net.