HC Deb 01 November 1956 vol 558 cc1599-600
26. Mr. Callaghan

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent shortage of shipping space is slowing down British exports.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Requisitioning and diversion of ships due to the Suez dispute appears to have had some small effect on exports. Otherwise, I have no evidence that our exports are being slowed down by shortage of shipping space.

Mr. Callaghan

Will the President ask the Minister of Transport, who has immobilised in British ports fifty ships, costing the taxpayer £400,000 a week in rent, how we can possibly expect to get exports going as long as the Government pursue a stupid policy like this?

Mr. Thorneycroft

That supplementary question seems to be raising rather wider issues.