§ Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Transport whether the Liner Freight Equalisation Scheme under which subsidies are paid to coastwise shipping companies, amounting to £500,000 approximately per year, has now been reviewed by his Department; and whether he will make a statement on its working.
§ Mr. BarnesYes, and arrangements have been made for the scheme to be extended in its present form until 1st October, 1949, subject to review at any time, particularly in the light of progress made towards the co-ordination of inland transport and coasting liner rates under the provisions of the Transport Act. The answer to the second part of the Question is included in the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 28th June last. Payments under the scheme were £446,957 in respect of 1948 as compared with £462,375 for the previous year.