Mr. Temple Morrisasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the rationalisation of the tramp-shipping industry with State aid, he can say 1489W whether minimum freight rates, which were the object of such rationalisation, are being maintained, or whether schemes formed in connection with it are showing signs of weakening?
§ Mr. CrossThe minimum freight rate schemes which were in force during the period of the British Shipping Assistance Acts are still being maintained by the in-1490W dustry on a voluntary basis. I am informed that during the current year this co-operation has been further developed and that although difficulties have been encountered during the depression from which shipping has suffered in past months, there are no signs of any weakening in the support of the schemes by those participating in them.