HC Deb 28 November 1962 vol 668 cc395-6
17. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Transport what is now the percentage of British trade being carried in British-owned ships.

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

It is estimated that in 1961 about 50 per cent. by weight or about 65 per cent. by value of United Kingdom trade was carried in ships registered in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Ridley

Does not my hon. and gallant Friend think that this is a very sorry state of affairs? Does he not further think that it is due to discrimination and restrictive practices on the part of nearly all countries? Will he not now agree that it is time for this country, if our percentage has fallen to 50, to adopt such practices in order to protect our shipping industry?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

First, these figures do not indicate the full extent of the performance of British shipping, because British ships are also heavily engaged in the world's cross trades, and that applies particularly to tankers. Secondly, I can only say what has been often said before—that there is no point in retaliating if in the process of retaliating one does oneself more injury than one benefits shipping.

Mr. Awbery

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that using foreign tonnage when English tonnage is available is a bad practice? If he does, will he look into the matter?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

I appreciate the point which the hon. Member makes, but I am sure that he will appreciate that all our policy has always been to try to maintain the international nature of shipping. That being so, it is not open to the Government to launch a great "ship British" policy.

Mr. Ridley

Would my hon. and gallant Friend say to what level the percentage must sink before it becomes relevant for us to change our policies in these matters as a due warning to the rest of the world?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

It is usually assumed by most maritime nations that if everybody were to discriminate, which is the point my hon. Friend is making, we should all end up on a 50–50 basis, whereas the present trade which this country carries is well ahead of that.