§ Q1. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether the statement by the Minister of Transport during his visit to the Scandinavian countries, about Government policy concerning subsidies to help the shipbuilding industry and shipping, represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)Yes, Sir.
§ Mr. ShinwellIf the Prime Minister agrees with his right hon. Friend, who said while he was in Scandinavia that the Government's policy was opposed to subsidy, why did they concede a subsidy to the Cunard Line? Now that that matter is in abeyance, if not finally settled, do we understand from the Prime Minister that it is the intention of the Government to consider the possibility of financial assistance to the shipbuilding and shipping industries?
§ The Prime MinisterWhat my right hon. Friend said was that he felt that competition between Governments in subsidies would not be in the long-term interests of this country. It is perfectly true that the Atlantic passenger trade is in a rather special position, because there are only two competing ships, both of them built by subsidy and operated by subsidy. Broadly speaking, I think we all agree that it would be better for all companies if subsidy was not in general used.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the Prime Minister reply to the final part of my supplementary question? Will the Government consider, in lieu of the Cunard arrange- 742 ment to assist the shipbuilding and shipping industries?
§ The Prime MinisterThere is always the question of credit facilities which we have done our best to improve, and we will certainly do our best to see if any further improvement can be made.