An application for financial assistance has been made to me by two British companies operating shipping lines across the North Atlantic, and this is receiving my consideration. As regards the forthcoming legislation to carry into effect the proposal which I announced some time ago regarding financial assistance for liner companies whose services are endangered by foreign subsidised competition, I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that there will be no discrimination between Scottish and English companies who can make a case for assistance under the Act. I fully appreciate the importance of ensuring that when an application for assistance under the Act is being considered the interests of British shipping concerns other than the applicant should be taken into account.