HC Deb 09 May 1939 vol 347 cc278-9
29. Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proposals the Government have under consideration for the assistance of the coastal shipping trade, in view of the nature of the competition, both external and internal, to which that trade is subject; and, particularly, whether any steps have been taken to secure that Governmental and local bodies stipulate that consignments belonging to them, or ordered by them and carried coastwise, shall be conveyed only in British vessels?

Mr. Stanley

The Government's proposals regarding the coasting trade were included in my statement in this House on 28th March, to which I would refer the hon. Member. Steps have been taken to encourage municipal and other public authorities to ensure that British tonnage is used for their coastwise shipments. The coasting trade has arrived at understandings with the railways in connection with the application of the latter to the Government and, as has been pointed out to the industry, it is in the direction of co-operation within the industry and coordination with the railways, road hauliers and canals that further progress lies.

Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

Can my right hon. Friend tell us what are the Government's proposals with regard to the building up of a reserve of tonnage suitable for the coasting trade in case of an emergency?

Mr. Stanley

Coasting steamers will be included within the ambit of the Government's scheme of a reserve of tonnage, and, of course, it will have to depend upon the suitability of particular ships engaging in the coasting trade as to whether they are bought for the reserve.

Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

Would it be possible for my right hon. Friend to reconsider the question of shipbuilding grants for the coasting trade, so as to help the reserve of tonnage?

Mr. Stanley

I am afraid I could not undertake to reconsider that. The trouble is that only a small fraction of the competition, with which only one section of the coasting trade meets, is from foreign sources. The principal source of competition is other internal forms of transport in this country. I could not subsidise one form of transport against another.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Would the right hon. Gentleman undertake to carry his counsel of perfection to the ordinary employers as well as to the local authorities and Government Departments?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, Sir. I will certainly take any steps I possibly can.

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