HC Deb 14 December 1955 vol 547 c1196
17. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will provide an annual subsidy for shipping serving the West African Colonies, particularly Nigeria and the Gold Coast.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No, Sir.

Mr. Hughes

In view of the very great importance of shipping to the solidarity and development of the Commonwealth and Empire, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that such a subsidy would be a very good investment for all concerned?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As a former Minister of Transport, I know the almost pathological dislike of the shipping industry to the introduction of subsidies, and I am not prepared to start the game.