§ Mr. Benjamin Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade whether owners of coasting vessels will be allowed to draw a subsidy in respect of vessels which find a part of their employment in Continental and near trades; and whether any orders for new coastal steamers, to be used for part of the time in these trades, have been placed on the understanding that Government assistance towards the cost of building them will be forthcoming?
§ Mr. StanleyIn accordance with my statement of 28th March, it is proposed that owners of vessels engaged partly in coasting and partly in non-coasting226W voyages should be able to obtain subsidy in respect of the latter voyages, if otherwise eligible. The statement also indicated that the scheme of grants for new-ships would not apply to vessels built for the coasting trade, but it is not proposed to exclude vessels engaged partly in coasting trade, provided that such employment is not substantial. The scheme for loans for shipbuilding extends to coasting vessels and I understand that some applications under that scheme are contemplated in respect of coasting vessels.