§ 1. Lord Balnielasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what has been the outcome of the talks between Her Majesty's Government and the United States Government about British ships trading with North Vietnam.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Michael Stewart)Talks have been held from time to time between British and United States officials about ships trading with North Vietnam and these have served to ensure that there is no misunderstanding between us about the true nature and volume of this traffic.
§ Lord BalnielHave the Government made it quite clear that these British ships are under foreign charter and that we have no control over their movements, and have the United States Government used their influence to urge the dockers to withdraw their threatened discrimination against British shipping?
§ Mr. StewartThe last part of the noble Lord's question is a little outside my responsibilities. We have made clear the nature of this trade. Naturally we hope, and I think that the United States Government hope as well, that no boycott will be persisted in.
§ Mr. WebsterWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure that the Federal Maritime Commission does not use this as a pretext for seeing documents which should be confidential to British shipping?
§ Mr. StewartYes, Sir; I will bear that in mind.