§ 60. Commander Marsdenasked the President of the Board of Trade whether 349 his attention has been drawn to the disquieting aspect of British merchant shipping, due to the decline in the number of vessels owned in the United Kingdom; and whether he will now reconsider the Government's attitude in the matter?
§ Captain WallaceDecline in the number of vessels does not necessarily mean reduction in the effective carrying power of the merchant fleet. The modern ship is generally larger, faster, and carries more cargo per ton gross than the prewar ships, while port facilities give it a quicker turn-round. His Majesty's Government fully recognise the need of a strong and healthy British shipping industry, and keep constantly under review the resources of the merchant fleet in relation to the services which in emergency it may be called upon to perform.
§ Commander MarsdenDoes the Parliamentary Secretary realise that this is not a question of total tonnage available, but of the total number of ships available? Is he not aware of the continued anxiety expressed by nearly all the shipowners throughout the country at the reduction, not in the tonnage, but in the number of ships?
§ Captain WallaceYes, hut I have tried to explain to my hon. and gallant Friend that the reduction in the numbers, not taking tonnage into account, is not necessarily decisive. The Government are fully aware of the importance of keeping up the merchant navy.
§ Mr. KirkwoodIs the Minister aware that the British shipping fleet never was as efficient as it is at the present time?
§ Captain WallaceThat is exactly the purport of my answer.