§ 27. Mr. Pageasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make representations to the Government of India to secure that the prohibition of foreign chartered vessels from operating on the Indian coast as from April next shall not apply to British chartered vessels.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerThe Government of India control voyages on the Indian coast by licences. The issue of licences for voyages between ports in the Republic of India only to Indian vessels would be a matter for them. But I hope they will bear in mind the services of British shipping to India's economy.
§ Mr. PageIs my hon. Friend making any representations on this matter to the Government of India, or just expressing this hope?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerThe Government of India have long been aware of our views.