Mr. WEST RUSSELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the number of British merchant vessels which are sold to foreign owners after becoming obsolete instead of being broken up in British yards; and whether, in view of the competition which this produces, he will consider recommending an export duty upon such ships?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMI am considering the question of the disposal of old ships, and I note the hon. Member's suggestion.