TRAMP SHIPPING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22195, 23 February 1934, Page 11

TRAMP SHIPPING

TRADE WITHIN THE EMPIRE (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, January V2. In the half-yearly report of the Mercantile Marine Association reference is made to the suggestion of the tramp shipping interests that a temporary subsidy should be afforded at the rate of 10s per ton gross per annum for vessels in operation, and 5s per ton gross for vessels laid up at a total annual cost estimated at £2,500,000 to £3,000,000. " It is computed that for every £W'O subsidy received British owners could keqi iu commission ou a moderately ire-. munerative basis 111 tons gross shipping and German owners only G3J tons." The report further advocated that ihe Government should be asked, while the subsidy was operating, to introduce legislation iu co-operation with other Governments within the British Empire to oisure that ali trade within the Empire should be carried in Empire vessels. Itwas also recommended that legislation should be introduced for the purpose of ensuring that all countries having an adverse trade balance with Great Britain should make up the difference by chartering British tonnage, or shippiog their exports in British ships, and that discriminating dues should be levie-3 against all foreign vessels taking part in home coasting trade. " The heavy incidence," it was added, "of unemployment amongst seafarers (a conservative estimate placing the number at 50,000) shows that the Goyern-' ment has a responsibility to meet op behalf of those whose livelihood depends upon the prosperity of the industry, and the council views with no little anxiety j the fact that British shipping is fast being brought to a standstill." i