§ 39. Mr. Shinwellasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to furnish information on the proposed scheme for the reorganisation of the tramp shipping industry; and whether the Government intend to continue the Tramp Shipping Subsidy?
Mr. StanleyI have been informed by the Chamber of Shipping of the United 707 Kingdom that a scheme of voluntary co-operation in the shipping industry was adopted by a full and representative meeting of British tramp shipowners on 20th October, and that, if the agreement which it embodies is executed by 90 per cent. of British tramp shipowners, the scheme will be brought into operation on 1st January next. The Chamber of Shipping have supplied me with a copy of the scheme, which I have had placed in the Library of the House. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. ShinwellDo I understand that it has not yet been decided that the tramp shipping subsidy will be discontinued at the close of the year?
Mr. StanleyThe hon. Gentleman asked me, in the last part of his question, whether the Government intend to continue the tramp shipping subsidy. I have said that the answer to that part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. R. J. TaylorDoes the scheme recommend to the shipowners that the present high rates should be maintained so as to accumulate a fund against the next depression?