HC Deb 26 October 1960 vol 627 cc2341-3
18. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Transport what action is contemplated by his Department to ensure that British shipping is accorded the measure of protection required against the methods of discrimination practised by the United States of America and other countries.

Mr. Marples

The Government will continue to oppose flag discrimination by whatever means are considered most effective in each case, but there is no general or easy solution. I hope shortly to receive recommendations from the General Council of British Shipping on the difficulties at present facing their industry. I will give the most careful consideration to any suggestions they may make on this aspect of the matter.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the Minister not adopting a rather sluggish attitude to this matter? Does he not appreciate the injury which is inflicted on British ships by American practices? Does he not think that the time has arrived when representations should be made at the highest possible level, and does he not think he might consult the Prime Minister, who perhaps might have a word in the ear of President Eisenhower in order to persuade the Americans to play fair?

Mr. Marples

I will certainly consider that suggestion, but I am bound to say that the United States Government are under no illusion about the strength of our feelings about flag discrimination. Make no mistake about that. The point is that it is only a comparatively small number of United States ships which do this, but it is the principle to which other countries refer; they say, "If the United States does it, we can do it." I think that here again it would be as well to see what action the industry itself suggests the Government should take.

Mr. P. Williams

While accepting that we should hear what the industry has to say about this, would not my right hon. Friend agree that a number of years ago there was a European view of this matter which was in complete contradiction to that of the Americans'? Since that time the Americans undertook to reconsider their view, and they have been considering and considering. It is no longer good enough for allies of America to be treated in this way. Really much more forceful representations must be made to the United States on behalf of European maritime nations on this point.

Mr. Marples

My hon. Friend is a little out of date. A meeting took place between the European and United States officials on 22nd September, and another is likely to be held next month. These representations have been made, but the point is, have we any effective sanction to back up the protests which we make? If my hon. Friend has any suggestions, I shall be willing to listen to them.

Mr. Hector Hughes

As the Minister appears to be at a loss to find a solution to this important problem, may I ask whether he is aware that the National Union of Seamen, the officers' union and other relative trade unions have positive suggestions to make on the matter? Will he consult with them with a view to taking some steps to solve this very urgent problem?

Mr. Marples

I will write to the people concerned and ask them for their views.

Mr. Shinwell

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the very unsatisfactory answer, I give notice that I will raise the matter at the first available opportunity.