Mr. David Adamsasked the President of the Board of Trade to what factors can be attributed the decline in the British share of the shipping in the River Plate trade from 51.3 per cent. of the total of that trade in 1935 to 40.5 per cent. in 1937, as reported in the sixth report of the tramp shipping administrative committee; and whether any steps are being taken to restore this trade?
Mr. StanleyAs the number of British tramp ships laid up in the year 1937 was negligible, the decline in the share held by such vessels in the River Plate trade in 1937 appears to have been due to the fact that employment, presumably on more acceptable terms, was being found in other trades. In these circumstances, the second part of the question does not arise, but the hon. Member may rest assured that the position of British tramp shipping is being carefully watched by the Board of Trade.