§ Sir R. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the South African subsidy for Italian shipping is due to end in February, any steps, and, if so, of what nature, are to be taken to ensure that henceforward British companies will have an opportunity of tendering for the services in question?
Mr. M. MacDonaldIn announcing the decision of the Union Government not to renew the payment to the Italian Shipping Lines, the Minister of Commerce and Industries stated in the Union House of Assembly on 15th February, that should the Union Government become convinced that assistance was necessary to maintain and develop the trade which had been established, they would not be prepared to consider further payment without giving all shipping lines which might be interested an opportunity to tender for the service. The attention of United Kingdom shipowners was drawn to this statement at the time.