§ 21. Mr. Benjamin Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the trade between Japan and India, and between Japan and Australia, is carried under the Japanese flag; and whether the proportion shows any tendency to increase?
§ Mr. StanleyI regret that precise information on this matter is not available, but the hon. Member will doubtless be aware of the estimates of the extent of Japanese participation in these trades given in the Imperial Shipping Committee's report on British shipping in the Orient.
§ Mr. SmithIn other words, this report says that there is an increase in this trade, and can the right hon. Gentleman say how far speed is a factor in eliminating British vessels from that trade?
§ Mr. StanleyIt would be difficult in answer to a question to enter into a discussion about the speed of merchant ships. Speed is not the only factor which determines whether the ship is an economical one or not. Some views hold that the extra speed of the Japanese ships is not economic.
§ Mr. SmithIs it fair to say that the Imperial Shipping Committee adduced speed as a primary factor in eliminating British ships from certain trade routes?
§ Mr. StanleyThere may be one or two lines in which speed becomes a prime factor.
§ Mr. Robert GibsonWhat is the proportion of this trade under the British Flag, and is it increasing?
§ Mr. StanleyI have answered that question. The hon. and learned Member will find the proportions set out in the Imperial Shipping List up to date. As far as one can make out since, no doubt owing to the temporary circumstances of the Sino-Japanese war, Japanese competition has tended slightly to decrease, but one cannot count on that being a permanent factor.