§ 17. Mr. STOREYasked the President of the Board of Trade when the report from the Imperial Shipping Committee upon the technical aspects of the problem of British shipping services in the Pacific will be published; and whether His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom intend to take any action to assist His Majesty's Governments in New Zealand and the Commonwealth of Australia in the maintenance of such services?
§ 25. Mr. JAMES HALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in regard to the proposed assistance to British shipping in the Pacific, it is intended to invite the Dominion Governments of Australia and New Zealand to undertake a part of the financial liability; and whether it is intended to extend the assistance to tramp shipping, cargo liners, and passenger liners, or any one of these groups?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe chairman of the Imperial Shipping Committee has recently presented the Committee's report to His Majesty's Governments in the United Kingdom, Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand. The report has been sent to the Dominion Governments concerned by air mail, and a decision as to publication will be taken as soon as they have had an opportunity of considering the matter. The question of action on the matters dealt with in the report is one for joint consideration and decision by the British Governments concerned. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom will do all in their power to bring the necessary discussions to a speedy conclusion. As regards the last part of Question No. 25, I would point out that the report of the Imperial Shipping Committee is concerned with the question of assistance to the British company maintaining a liner service for passengers and cargo between Canada and New Zealand and Australia.
§ Mr. STOREYWill the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that not only will they take steps to bring the discussions to an early conclusion but will take action to help the Dominions in the matter?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThat is what my answer meant.