HC Deb 18 April 1939 vol 346 cc153-4
24. Mr. Liddall

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the marine diesel engines imported from Ger many during the past year have been subsidised by the German Government; and whether it is his intention to reconsider the free importation of subsidised goods into registered shipyards?

Mr. O. Stanley

I have no information in regard to the first part of the question. I do not think it would be desirable to limit in the way my hon. Friend suggests the importation of goods used for shipbuilding.

Mr. Liddall

In view of the international situation, will my right hon. Friend consider withdrawing the right of free entry of these goods into registered shipyards in this country from foreign countries?

Mr. Stanley

In view of the international situation, what I want to do is to see that as many ships as possible are built as quickly as possible. I am not prepared, therefore, to withdraw facilities which are utilised solely for that purpose.

25. Mr. Liddall

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the import into this country during the last three years, in volume and in value, of marine diesel engines from Germany and from other foreign countries, respectively?

Mr. Stanley

During the year 1938 imports into the United Kingdom of marine internal combustion engines of diesel, semi-diesel and similar types, including parts thereof, consigned from Germany amounted to 1,375 tons, valued at£121,000, while imports consigned from other foreign countries amounted to 5,621 tons, valued at£438,000. I regret that comparable particulars for earlier years are not available, as such imports were not separately recorded prior to 1938.

Mr. Liddall

Am I to take it from that reply that the policy of the Government is to foster conditions whereby British ships are dependent for their engines on foreign supplies?

Mr. Stanley

They are not dependent for their engines on foreign supplies, but, as any hon. Gentleman who has any acquaintance with shipbuilding knows, there are cases in which it is only possible to get orders in this way.