Britain’s Shipping Future Discussed

Northern Advocate, 25 February 1944, Page 4

Britain’s Shipping Future Discussed

(Received 1.30 p.m.) (8.0. W.) RUGBY, February 24. The future of British shipping was discussed by Sir Leighton Seagar when making the presidential address to the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom. He emphasised the losses arising out of the disposal of shipping and the United States operation of shipping after the last war, and said wiser counsels would be necessary if we were not to be faced with similar problems in the future.

It world trade was ever to be restored after the war—without which the world’s shipping industry could not be healthy and prosperous—then the United States must realise that exports and imports consisted of both goods and services. U.S. Obligation

If the United States pursued a high tariff policy to keep out goods, and at the same time desired to export to ethers, she must accept the services, especially shipping services, of other nations in return, instead of seeking uneconcmically to develop her own. Necessity for Britain

A merchant fleet was a luxury to America. To Britain it was a vital necessity. Sir Leighton added: ‘‘We shall seek to maintain an efficient and profitable merchant marine, with continuity of employment at good wages lor those engaged.

“We must ever £eep open the door of opportunity and maintain that spirit of efficiency and service which is the root of all progress.”