HC Deb 14 February 1961 vol 634 cc1240-1
42. Mr. Healey

asked the Prime Minister if he will now state the date on which he will meet President Kennedy.

The Prime Minister

As has already been announced, I have accepted an invitation from the President of the United States to visit Washington at the end of my tour of the West Indies. I plan to arrive in Washington on 4th April and to have talks with President Kennedy during the next two or three days.

Mr. Healey

We welcome the fact that the Prime Minister has at last managed to fix the date of this important meeting. Will he not agree that a large number of very urgent issues require co-ordination of policy between our two countries before the next eight weeks have elapsed? Is he in direct consultation with President Kennedy concerning the very grave situation in the Congo?

The Prime Minister

A large number of preliminary steps are being taken, with possible discussions I would have. The economic team has already gone out to discuss the economic aspects. There is constant communication between the two Governments on the diplomatic level.

Mr. Gaitskell

Has the Prime Minister considered the possibility of the Foreign Secretary or even the Lord Privy Seal going over a little in advance to prepare the way for these important talks with the President of the United States?

The Prime Minister

The Foreign Secretary will be going over a day or two in advance.

46. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Prime Minister if, on the occasion of his next visit to the United States of America, he will take the opportunity of representing the views of British shipping interests on the subject of flags of convenience and flag discrimination and request President Kennedy's intervention in the matter.

The Prime Minister

I am sure the right hon. Gentleman will not expect me to speculate publicly about the probable course of my confidential talks with the President of the United States. I can assure him, however, that the interests of British shipping will continue to receive the constant attention of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Shinwell

Does the Prime Minister realise the plight of British shipping, the depression which exists, and the discontent amongst the members of the shipping fraternity? In view of the failure of the Minister of Transport, for which he may not bear a great deal of responsibility to find a solution to this great problem, will the Prime Minister take the matter in hand himself?

The Prime Minister

The Government are giving very careful attention to this problem. We have the benefit of a report by the shipping industry itself, and we are studying these matters closely. The Question asks if I will personally discuss this. I will certainly bear in mind the right hon. Gentleman's proposition, although he will not ask me—for it would lead to a series of questions—to bind myself to an agenda.

Mr. P. Williams

Whilst the Government must obviously give consideration to these extremely weighty matters affecting the economic prosperity of this country and the Commonwealth, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend is aware that there is very considerable and deep feeling on both sides of the House and in the industry that the Government are at this moment not giving a sufficiently dynamic lead to the shipping industry and that what is needed now is no longer consideration but action?

The Prime Minister

Those are very easy words to say, but there are very difficult problems to solve.