§ 48. Mr. Peytonasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what percentage of the total gross registered tonnage in the world now flies the Red Ensign; and what was the comparable figure in the years 1908, 1938, and 1948.
§ Mr. NeaveThe Commonwealth proportion of total gross tonnage in the world was 22 per cent. in 1957. The corresponding percentages for 1908, 1938 and 1948 were 49 per cent., 31 per cent., and 27 per cent., respectively.
§ Mr. PeytonWould not my hon. Friend agree that the figures which he has just given to the House reveal an alarming and dangerous tendency; that it would be intolerable if the Government, and indeed this House, should not determine now to take action to check and reverse that tendency? May I ask him particularly if he would agree that the time has come when a committee should be set up, representing all interested Government Departments, to give this matter the urgent attention it deserves?
§ Mr. NeaveAs my hon. Friend knows, the Prime Minister answered him on this matter on 1st May, and what was said then is under very serious consideration. I would point out that the Commonwealth merchant fleet has, of course, increased in size during the period in question and that the decline is a relative one. However, the Government naturally desire to see this trend reversed and wish the British merchant fleet to prosper and expand, and these matters have our very careful attention.