HC Deb 01 February 1961 vol 633 cc957-8
20. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Minister of Transport if he will have discussions with the United States administration about initiating international action to deal with ships sailing under flags of convenience.

Mr. Marples

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Collick) on 25th January.

Mr. Stratton Mills

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that Answer, which I heard, did not contain an assurance that my right hon. Friend would initiate talks on this very important subject with the new United States Administration? Is he further aware that, while six years ago the total of shipping registered under flags of convenience was one-eleventh of the world's total, it is now one-seventh of the world's total, and that it is a matter of very great urgency?

Mr. Marples

That is true, but I must point out to my hon. Friend that in its recent survey the General Council of British Shipping indicated that in its view international agreement and action in the matter of flags of convenience would make little or no progress in the foreseeable future.

Mr. Strauss

While it may be premature to ask for discussions with the new Administration in the United States, will the Minister give the House an indication that, as soon as possible and as soon as the time appears to be right, he will make the necessary approaches in order to have negotiations and discussions on this all-important matter?

Mr. Marples

If at any moment I think that it would be worth while and fruitful for negotiations to take place, I will certainly do so.