HC Deb 26 January 1955 vol 536 cc157-8
52. Mr. Page

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what instructions have been given to the United Kingdom representatives on the Maritime Transport Committee of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation in relation to flag discrimination resulting from the United States Cargo Preference Bill, the Chilean Mercantile Marine Bill, and the Saudi-Arabian-Onassis tanker agreement.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The instructions to the United Kingdom representatives on the Maritime Transport Committee of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation are to oppose discriminatory shipping practices by Governments wherever they are met, and to support the shipping policy of O.E.E.C. which is based on the free circulation of shipping in international trades in free and fair competition.

Mr. Page

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that very satisfactory answer, may I ask him whether there is any prospect of the Maritime Transport Committee dealing with the matter in the near future? If so, will he ask our representatives to continue to press against the pernicious practice of flag discrimination?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

With regard to future discussions by the Organisation, perhaps my hon. Friend will put a Question on the Order Paper.