49. Miss Wardasked the Prime Minister whether in view of the widespread anxiety over the position of the shipping and shipbuilding industries, he will grant Parliamentary time for discussion of the future of these industries?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government have the position of shipping and shipbuilding under consideration and will make a statement as soon as it is possible to do so. I do not, therefore, consider that a debate is necessary in present circumstances.
Miss WardIf I put down a question in a fortnight's time will my right hon. Friend be able to make a statement and reconsider the position. As we have now, apparently, got a square deal for agriculture, can we not have one for shipping and shipbuilding?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is impossible to say now when a statement can be made.
§ Mr. KirkwoodHave the Government under consideration the idea of subsidising the shipping industry? If they do so, will they see to it that the Government take control of the shipping industry?