§ Mr. ROBINSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Suez Canal dues per net ton of shipping are about 40 per cent. higher than those of the Panama Canal; whether he is aware that this difference is a handicap to the trade of Great Britain with Australia, Singapore, and Japan as compared with that of the United States of America; and will he inquire into the matter?
§ Dr. BURGINI am aware that there is, at the present time, a considerable difference between the incidence of the Suez Canal and Panama Canal dues respectively on shipping. As regards the second and third parts of the question, I can only refer my hon. Friend to the2806W answer which my right hon. Friend gave the hon. Member for Kirkdale (Mr. Rankin) on 23rd March.