§ Mr. Barnesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will submit a statement showing the total amount and form of assistance given to shipping from Exchequer funds under legislation, in operation or contemplated, for the years 1931-32 and 1938-39?
§ Mr. StanleyNo such assistance was given in the financial years 1931 or 1932. In 1938 and 1939, there has been to date issued to the Cunard White Star, Limited, under the North Atlantic Shipping Act, 1934, sums amounting to £3,102,455 as repayable advances. Assistance to shipping from Exchequer funds is, of course, contemplated under the British Shipping (Assistance) Bill now before Parliament, but it is not possible to estimate what amounts will be paid during the present financial year.