§ 24. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, in view of the decision to raise the Shipping Conference, to be held in Washington, D.C., on 8th June, to Ministerial level, who will represent the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI intend to lead the United Kingdom delegation myself.
§ Dame Irene WardWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that he will have the support of the Whole House when he argues, as I am sure that he will, that this country will no longer tolerate anything in the shape of discrimination against British shipping? Will my right hon. Friend argue for fair treatment, which we have not had for very many decades, so that we shall know where we are and get on with promoting our shipping interests?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI read a great deal in the American Press that my European colleagues and I—because many other European nations are in this representation with me—were going to America to try to tell the Americans and Congress how to run their own affairs. We are not trying to do that at all. What we intend to say is that we do not think that the declared joint policy of inter-dependence is working at all well on the sea as far as our shipping policy is concerned. I 181 hope to say that very frankly, and I believe that I shall receive a sympathetic hearing from the American Administration.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman seized of the importance of this Conference and its effect on the future of British shipping? Will he make it clear to the representatives of American maritime interests that their failure to conduct their affairs as British shipping conducts its affairs is no reason why they should seek to take action which is detrimental to the interests of British shipping?
Mr. WathinsonThe right hon. Gentleman and I do not disagree in the slightest degree. I would not go at this time of year when I have many other problems to deal with if I did not attach the highest importance to my task.