MERCHANT SERVICE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 64, 13 February 1936, Page 8

MERCHANT SERVICE

TRAMP SHIPPING SUBSIDY. DEBATE IN COMMONS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received February 12, 1.10 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 11. Coincidentally with the report of the Tramp Shipping Administrative Committee, saying the subsidy last year had saved the British tramp shipping industry from collapse, the House of Commons debated the subsidy for 1936, not exceeding two million sterling. Rt. Hon. A. Greenwood said the Labour Party was opposed to the granting of further money “to people, some some of whom had blood on their hands.” In a bitter speech, lie declared that there were slums and “sweatshops” at sea as bad as any on land, and challenged any member to say there were not boats insured which left port with the odds against their return if foul weather was encountered. Labour denjanded a drastic overhaul of the Merchant Shipping Act. Sir Alan Anderson did not agree that the Act needed revision. The Board of Trade had power to make regulations as new conditions arose, but the improvement in safety at sea was not due to the regulations but mainly to the invention of wireless. Shipowners had moved with the times and made enormous improvements with wonderful and spectacular results. Tho subsidy was carried by 205 votes to 134.