HC Deb 29 November 1938 vol 342 cc228-9
29. Mr. Benjamin Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to take any steps to facilitate the establishment of a rate structure for British coastwise shipping, with particular reference to the tramp section of the industry?

Mr. Stanley

No, Sir. The Transport Advisory Council has recently reported that it is impracticable to apply a rate structure to the coasting tramp trade at present.

Mr. Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there was a Minority Report stating that they felt that some such arrangement could have been built up, but the terms of reference precluded the question of wages and conditions of those engaged in coastwise shipping being considered, and will he, therefore, consider the appointment of a committee to inquire into the rates and conditions in coastwise shipping?

Mr. Stanley

It is true that a Minority Report was signed by two members, but the other members of the committee, set up under Statute to deal with this question, were against it.

Mr. Smith

The right hon. Gentleman must be aware that they were precluded by the terms of reference from discussing wages and working conditions.

Mr. Stanley

They were set up for the express purpose contained in the hon. Member's question, to decide whether the establishment of a rate structure was a good thing or not.