§ 43. Mr. LOGANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the return to the Merseyside of the Elder Dempster shipping group; and is he now prepared to enter into consultation with the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce as to ways and means to restore the West Coast of Africa trade to Liverpool?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe chief shipping services from this country to the west coast of Africa have always been maintained from Liverpool. As regards the second part of the question, I think this is a matter primarily for the commercial and shipping interests concerned.
§ Mr. LOGANDoes the right hon. Gentleman not recall the various deputations which have approached him on this matter; and in view of this particular firm having come into the city, is it not possible to resume negotiations to get trade and workers together?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANFor some time past, certainly for as long as I can remember, trade between the West African Colonies and this country has been effected through Liverpool.
§ Mr. LOGANBut is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of what I am getting at in regard to palm oil and kernels and whale oil? There is a difficulty, and I am anxious to get business relationships established, so that we can have better trade.
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf the hon. Member will put down a question on oils, I will give him an answer.