SHIPPING SUBSIDIES
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
Sia,—In Parliament, in the Press, and on the platform refeience is made continually to supposed huge subsidies paid by other nationalities to their shipping. Outside Parliament 230,000,000 per annum is the amount usually mentioned, but no one appears to know how this figure is arrived at, nor does anyone state what specific payments are made by each country. Further, no distinction seems to be .made between actual subsidies and losses incurred by State-owned vessels.
To, help British shipowners our Government as a trial has decided to grant to tramp shipowners £2,000,000 for one year. It would be interesting to know how this amount compares with that granted by other countries to their tramp shipping as distinct from their liner, passenger and coastal vessels. _
It is quite unfair when making a comparison to class as subsidies the running losses made by State-owned steamers. Have not our colonies to their detriment indulged in the same, luxury without it being called a subsidy ?—Yours
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