HC Deb 16 May 1939 vol 347 cc1173-4
19. Commander Marsden

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the conveyance of grain from Rumania to this country under the terms of the Rumanian Trade Agreement will be reserved exclusively for British shipping?

Mr. Stanley

In accordance with the general rule applicable to the conveyance of Government-owned cargoes preference will be given to British ships, if they are available at appropriate rates and conditions.

Commander Marsden

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the very unsatisfactory arrangements that were made last year and make a really big effort this year to ensure that British purchases are brought home in British ships?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, Sir, I will certainly make a big effort, if the shipowners will respond, and not, as last time, decline the opportunity that was given to them, though I agree that owing to the haste with which the purchase was concluded then it was rather a belated opportunity. Under this transaction there will be more time to make arrangements in advance, and I hope that shipowners will take advantage of the opportunity I am giving.

Mr. Kirkwood

Will the Minister see to it that shipowners who do not respond to his appeal for the benefit of the country do not get any share of the subsidy?

Mr. Kirby

Why is it not possible to conscript ships?

Mr. Stanley

I am hoping that it will be possible to arrange in the normal way for these cargoes to be carried in British ships.

Mr. Remer

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great number of these imports into Britain come from Danzig and Hamburg and almost all of them come in foreign bottoms, and will he consider whether some means can be found to deal with the Baltic side of the imports into this country?

Mr. Stanley

There will be no "Baltic side of the imports." These grain purchases by the Government will come from Black Sea ports.