§ 39. Mr. Dugdaleasked the Minister of Transport to what extent his Department is consulted at any period before the fixing of freight rates by the shipping conferences.
§ Mr. MarplesThe fixing of freight rates by shipping conferences is a commercial matter and my Department is not consulted.
§ Mr. DugdaleIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many people feel that the time has come for this matter to be closely looked at by the Government, because what amounts to restrictive trade practices carried out by shipping companies have been detrimental to many of our export trades?
§ Mr. MarplesIt is really in the interests of British shipping, which trades 999 with all countries of the world, that there should be as little interference as possible by the Government with shipping companies.