§ 54. Mr. Sydney Irvingasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will consult with the Chamber of Shipping as to the possibilities of implementing the recent suggestions by its President for dealing with the problem of flags of convenience by the formation by those nations who suffer from the competition of these bogus flags of a club which would not allow ships built or owned in their countries to be registered in or sold to any country outside the the club.
§ Mr. WatkinsonAs I understand it, the suggetion of the President of the Chamber of Shipping was put forward on a purely personal basis. It would affect shipbuilders as well as shipowners. I am advised that a committee of the shipowners' organisations is reviewing the whole question, and I expect to have discussions with them as soon as they are ready.
§ Mr. PagetIs it not a fact that this flag of convenience business is becoming a real scandal? When will the time come when the nations with real shipping interests instead of merely bogus ones decline their port facilities to these bogus flags?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI think that that was something of the substance of the proposals put forward, which are being examined.