§ 16. . Mr. P. Williamsasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the nature of the official representations made by him to the Government of the United States of America with regard to the use of flags of convenience; what other Governments supported these representations; and with what result.
§ Mr. WatkinsonNone has yet been made; but this is one of the many shipping problems which we may wish to discuss with the United States in due course.
§ Mr. WilliamsHas my right hon. Friend noticed reports in the Press this morning that some of the American ship owners are establishing a committee, called the American Committee for Flags of Necessity, and that that makes this matter extremely urgent? If any representations are to be made to the United States Government, can they be made on a wider basis of flags of discrimination? If interdependence is to mean anything at all, surely it is reasonable to expect the American Government to behave in a reasonable way in this sort of matter?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am closely in touch with the Chamber of Shipping on this matter. I do not think it is very dissatisfied with what we are doing at the moment.
§ Mr. ShinwellAre not these representations to the United States on the twin subjects of flags of convenience and, in particular, flags of discrimination—which is an even greater evil— being unduly delayed? Why are we afraid to face up to the Americans when they are seeking to destroy British shipping?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI hold strong views also on this subject, but I am not sure that one gets the best results by discussing in public what representations we are to make.