HC Deb 29 March 1961 vol 637 cc1331-2
25. Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Transport what measures Her Majesty's Government are taking to discourage and reduce the amount of flag discrimination proposed and adopted by other maritime countries with whom the United Kingdom trades; and what has been the result of the talks held in Washington on this subject.

Mr. Marples

Her Majesty's Government takes every opportunity by means of diplomatic protest, in the negotiation of commercial treaties and in appropriate international discussions to discourage and reduce discrimination. I am now considering with the General Council of British Shipping whether it would be in our long-term interest to take further measures. So far as the Washington talks are concerned, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) on 1st March.

Mr. McMaster

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask whether he agrees that such practices distort the pattern of world shipping to the detriment of British shipping interests, and, in particular, cause loss to the industry's invisible exports?

Mr. Marples

I agree that discrimination can seriously harm this country, but if we are to take retaliatory measures we need to be absolutely certain that we correctly assess what the long-term results will be.

Mr. Fernyhough

Would not the Minister agree that it is fantastic that the N.A.T.O. Powers, which are supposed to be joined to defend each other militarily, should, by their practices, be destroying each other economically? Ought not strong representations about this matter be made at N.A.T.O. conferences?

Mr. Marples

I do not think that a N.A.T.O. conference is the place to make these representations, but I do not disagree that strong representations should be made.

Mr. Stratton Mills

My right hon. Friend has referred to possible further measures. Can he indicate on what lines he is thinking?

Mr. Marples

The General Council of Shipping asked me to take general powers in the House of Commons for retaliatory measures, and then it could take specific steps against different countries. I asked the Council for examples both of the specific measures and the general powers it had in mind, and I am awaiting those.