§ 3. Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will examine ways of speeding up the deliveries of British exports to Australia.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Trade (Mr. Clinton Davis)I am aware that in recent months there have been delays in shipments of goods to Australia. This is a problem that can be solved only by the commercial interests involved. They are already in close touch with each other but my Department has had discussions with the United Kingdom/Australia Conference and the lines concerned to ensure that everything possible is done to resolve the present difficulties.
Mr. ShesbyIs the Minister aware that the Export Times today described this matter as the "Scandal of the 'shipping shambles'"? Will he be having any discussions with the British Shippers Council to try to alleviate the problem in the next three months?
§ Mr. DavisThe Government appreciate the difficulty. We have had many letters expressing concern. The fact remains that we have no powers which enable us to force anyone to do anything. As I have already indicated, we have discussed the matter with the United Kingdom/Australia Conference and with the lines concerned. I believe that everyone is fully aware of the situation. It is not wholly of the making of British interests, because there are difficulties in Australia which have led to congestion in the ports, about which the hon. Ge[...] leman knows.
§ Mrs. ChalkerIn view of the Minister's answer and the breakdown of negotiations in the port of Liverpool last Friday between the Transport and General Workers' Union and the port authorities, will he indicate what steps he intends to take to get the grain terminal working in the port of Liverpool?