§ 90. Mr. Kingaske the Minister of Transport if he is aware that shipping charges have increased by between 200 and 300 per cent. between 1938 and the present day and that this is having an adverse effect upon both our export trade and food prices; what increased costs justify these charges, and if he will cause an inquiry to be held into shipping profits,
§ Mr. BarnesI am aware that there have been substantial increases in freight rates since 1938, though the average increase 15W is lower than that suggested by my hon. Friend The increases are due to the higher costs in this and other countries for all services and supplies to shipping, slower turn-round in port, the high cost of replacement of tonnage, and the shortage of export cargoes, for example coal, which means that ships are involved in additional ballast voyages. I have no evidence that our export trade is being hampered by the existing level of freight. The freight rates for the principal imported foodstuffs are fixed in relation to the costs involved. In the circumstances, I see no necessity for an inquiry into shipping profits. I would add that, in general, the freights charged by British ships are appreciably lower than those of ships under other flags.