Empire Shipping The emphasis that the President of the Board
of Trade laid on the vital needs of Empire shipping was timely and might with profit be followed up. Strategy is one, and a very urgent consideration. It is true, as Mr. Stanley said, that tanks, anti-aircraft guns and aeroplanes go to make the strength of this country, but without ships to bring food the defence would be unavailing. The economic danger, how- ever, is equally great and may possibly be more persistent. It is satisfactory to know that the Government are con- sidering proposals, recently submitted by shipowners, to restore the balance of the industry and afford reasonable prospects for the future. Until the nature both of the proposals and of the Government's attitude to them are known comment would be premature. In the meantime a reminder of the seriousness of the situation has been given by Sir Alan Anderson, who pointed out that whereas the British Empire owned 52 per cent. of world tonnage in 1913, in 1938 it owned only 35 per cent. The main reason for the change is that foreign subsidies have upset competitive trade. In any competition of subsidies this country could maintain a predominant position. But no projected subsidy can be allowed to give cover to a lack of efficiency and re- sourcefulness on the part of the companies. Where those qualities are present British citizens should be encouraged by every means, though they cannot be compelled, to travel in British ships.
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