BRITISH SKITPING

Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1933, Page 5

BRITISH SKITPING

SUBSIDY PROPOSAL

DISCUSSION IN THE COMMONS

(United Press Association—By Electric 1 Telegraph—Copyright.,’

LONDON, December 13

In the House of Commons, Dr J. W. Leech (Conservative) s-id Britain had lost her proud position since the time when nearly half of the shipping of the world flew the red ensign. Britain’s tramp steamers had been reduced by fifty per cent, since 1914, ‘and the foreign tramp steamers had increased by one-third. The Government, he said, had rescued their heavy industries, substantially, by means of tariffs, and it should similarly rescue the shipping. French subsidies to shipping ,and shipbuilding in 1932 (amoiuued to four millions sterling; Italian subsidies to five millions and United Spates subsidies to seventeen millions.

Mr Neil Mac Lean (Labour) moved an amendment, demanding the reorganisation of shipping and of e hjp building under the Government’s control. He naid iMf W. U. Runciman (President of the Board of Trade) would make an admirable Controller, Mr .Runciman said that Labour’s suggestion could be ignored. Experience in the United States and in Australia was sufficient to dismiss the idea of Government ownership. Mr MtoLean’s amendment was negatived by 221 to 34 and the debate was adjourned.

OUNARDER TO BE COMPLETED

FINANCIAL AID PROMISED

RUGBY, December 13

Financial assistance, from the Government. to enable the completion of the partially-built giant Cnnarder, was promised by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Questioned as to the progress of the negotiations between the- Cunard and White Star Lines, Mr Chamberlain replied ; .“I can say that the difficult and complicated negotiations, conducted with great goodwill oil all •odes, hav, e reached a stage at which the Government feels justified in. assuming that an effective merger of the .North Ulantic fleets and the Cunard White Star Lines will become an accomplished fact .at an early date.” It is the intention of tlm Government, in that event, shortly to lay before the House proposals for furnishing the necessary financial facilities for the completion of the new Cunarcl liner. Not only would these proposals have to come before the House, but the consent of the secured creditors in both oases Would have to be obtained. As everyone Was anxious to get on with the work, he believed Hint there would be no undue delay,