HC Deb 28 January 1959 vol 598 cc1066-7
42. Mr. Peyton

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the total amount of United Kingdom gross registered tonnage now laid up.

Mr. Hay

On 31st December, 1958, 1,046,800 gross tons were laid up for reasons other than repair.

Mr. Peyton

Will my hon. Friend bring this figure to the attention of his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and perhaps suggest to him that there could never be a more opportune time, because it would be cheaper, from his point of view, to relieve this industry of the drastic tax burden which it has to bear?

Mr. Hay

My hon. Friend will realise that I would hesitate to answer for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but I am quite confident that my right hon. Friend is fully aware of the difficulties of the shipping industry.

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