BRITISH LINES IN PACIFIC

Southland Times, Issue 22957, 1 August 1936, Page 7

BRITISH LINES IN PACIFIC

Government Action Urged (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, July 30. In the House of Lords, Lord Lloyd drew attention to the threatened disappearance of two British lines in the Pacific. He urged Government action, as he had been informed that there was a grave risk that at least one line might be on the eve of suspension. Lord Lloyd added that British shipping in the Far East was now at a stage approaching collapse, while the Japanese were increasing their competition. He emphasized the importance of shipping in view of maintaining wartime supplies. The Secretary for India (the Marquess of Zetland) discounting Lord Lloyd’s pessimism, said that the naval requirements of oil fuel, petrol and lubricating oils, about which it was contrary to the public interest to give details,’ were constantly surveyed by the Committee of Imperial Defence, which was responsible for the essential preparations. British tankers were sufficient to meet all the Navy and a considerable part of the civilian requirements. The question of Pacific shipping had been referred to the Imperial Shipping Committee, he said, which had taken evidence and was now preparing a report on which the Government would consult the Dominions. The Government was also considering the storage of food supplies.