HC Deb 23 March 1953 vol 513 cc457-8
2. Captain Ryder

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the continuing decline in the British share of world shipping, with particular reference to the dwindling tramp fleet; and what action he will take to encourage this important strategical asset.

The Minister of Transport (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)

I am aware that, while the British fleet is still the largest in active commercial employment, it represents a smaller share of the total world shipping. This is due largely to the steps taken by certain countries to build up national fleets by artificial means. The Government are, however, constantly endeavouring to promote the most favourable conditions for the prosperity of British shipping by pressing for the removal of discriminatory practices wherever they are met, and by working for an expansion of world trade generally. The downward tendency in the tonnage of tramps is much to be regretted. There has, of course, been an increase in the tonnage of cargo liners and tankers, which is to some extent a reflection of a change in demand.

Captain Ryder

As we seem to be failing to hold our own in the expanding world trade, does not my right hon. Friend think some further special consideration—including, perhaps, consideration of the taxation of this very specialised industry—is needed?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Questions on taxation should be addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer but, in regard to direct assistance, the industry has always, made its position perfectly plain, that it. hopes we shall concentrate on getting it a fair field in international competition.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring to the notice of the Chancellor the very serious fact that Britain's share of world trade has fallen from 23 per cent. to 18 per cent. in the last year or two, and that this definitely links up with the lamentable position in which the mercantile marine now finds itself?

Sir H. Williams

Would it not be a good idea to indulge in discrimination like the Navigation Acts, which enabled us to build up the mercantile marine, and ignore the anti-discriminatory attitude of certain foreign countries?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

That raises a wider question.

Mr. S. Silverman

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it might help if he could persuade his colleagues to reverse Government policy and, instead of trying to diminish world trade, to diminish imports and to diminish exports, to expand them all?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The steadily improving position in our balance of trade is the finest contribution to world prosperity.

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