HC Deb 05 May 1936 vol 311 c1504
9. Miss WARD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there has been any appreciable increase of idle tonnage on the Tyne during the past few months?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

According to the quarterly returns of laid-up tonnage published by the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom, the tonnage laid up on the Tyne on 1st April, 1936, was 91,000 tons net, which was 7,000 tons more than on 1st January, 1936, but 72,000 tons less than on 1st April, 1935.

Miss WARD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the recent increase is believed to be due to the fact that Russian ships are cutting into the freight market in the Baltic?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I imagine that such little change as there has been has been due to a variety of cause s, of which that may quite possibly be one.