§ Colonel ROPNERasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Brighton Corporation propose to build two collier ships for the transport of coal for their electricity power station; whether he is aware that such action will undermine confidence among British coastal owners who for years have been maintaining British coastal shipping under great difficulties; and whether he will take steps to discourage the proposal, particularly in view of the fact that the action of the corporation is of doubtful legality?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is informed that the Brighton Corporation propose to purchase two collier ships for the purposes of their electricity undertaking, but that the management of the ships will be delegated to a firm of shipowners. My right hon. Friend is not aware of any grounds for discouraging this proposal.