HC Deb 13 May 1959 vol 605 cc1230-1
49. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what steps he proposes to take in order to secure agreement among shipowners in regard to a policy for replacing certain existing merchant ships; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Harold Watkinson)

The replacement of merchant ships is primarily a matter for their owners. Where the Government is asked to take special action in the matter, I shall naturally keep in close touch with the industry.

Mr. Rankin

Has the right hon. Gentleman been in consultation at all with his hon. Friend the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, with whom I pressed this matter? I was referred to the right hon. Gentleman to pursue it. Can he say whether or not some policy is being devised for the replacement of existing ships, or will he consider it, as the United Kingdom shipbuilding industry is now in a most serious state with regard to new orders? Will he think about the matter?

Mr. Watkinson

I have several meetings this week with the Chamber of Shipping which are concerned with, for example, these international arrangements which we and other European nations think are very harmful to the shipping industry as a whole. It is in that sort of way that I hope we shall be able to help.

Dame Irene Ward

Does my right hon. Friend think that when he receives proposals from the Chamber of Shipping, and if he finds himself in agreement with them, he will be able to get support from the Chancellor of the Exchequer to do what is right by our industry?

Mr. Watkinson

I was not referring to subsidies.

Dame Irene Ward

Nor was I.

Mr. Watkinson

I was thinking of trying to improve the trading arrangements around the world so as to enable British shipowners to get more business.

Mr. Peyton

Even if the shipping industry is unable to put forward an agreed set of proposals, does not my right hon. Friend think that it is incumbent upon the Government to take such steps as they can to ensure that when the present serious recession declines the country will be in possession of a fast, modern, powerful and economic merchant fleet? Is this not of first importance to the country as a whole?

Mr. Watkinson

I do not disagree with anything that my hon. Friend has said, but the first problems with which we have to try to deal are those which are best summarised in the terms "flag of convenience" and "flag discrimination". It is those things which militate against the future development of the British shipping industry. It is to those things that I am giving my attention in co-operation with the Chamber of Shipping, and we hope soon to make some powerful representations to the American Government on this matter.