HL Deb 02 June 1959 vol 216 cc483-5

2.36 p.m.

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, having regard to the serious fall in the net contribution to the United Kingdom balance of payments, made by our merchant shipping, they will institute high-level discussions with the United States Government with a view to ending discriminatory practices, subsidies, the use of flags of convenience and other barriers to free and fair trading.]

THE EARL OF GOSFORD

My Lords, as was announced on May 22 last, my right honourable friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation is leading the United Kingdom delegation at talks on shipping matters with the United States Government which are to begin in Washington on June 8. These talks were originated by an approach from the Government of the Netherlands to the United States Government in December last year, and delegations from nine European countries, including the United Kingdom, will be taking part in them.

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, while welcoming the fact that these important discussions are to be led by the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, may I ask why, just before the discussions take place, we have decontrolled imports of dollar foodstuffs and increased the quantities of imported manufactured goods? Would it not be better, before there is a further expansion of dollar imports, to seek an assurance that there will be a reciprocal easement of British goods into the United States and an end of discriminatory shipping practices?

THE EARL OF GOSFORD

My Lords, the noble Lord asked me a specific Question as to whether the Government will institute high-level talks. I have answered that Question. The question the noble Lord has now asked me is somewhat more detailed and rather a sideline to the original Question, and I would ask him to put it down on the Order Paper.

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, while it may be to some extent a sideline, does the noble Earl not agree that the question of ending discriminatory shipping practices is completely tied up with the trade between our respective countries? Is it not, therefore, relevant, and a subject to be advanced at these discussions?

THE EARL OF GOSFORD

Maybe.

LORD TAYLOR

My Lords, will the discussions include talks on the matter of flags of convenience?

THE EARL OF GOSFORD

I understand so.

LORD WILMOT OF SELMESTON

My Lords, will the discussions specifically include references to discriminatory practices against British exports?

THE EARL OF GOSFORD

I understand that that will also be the case.

EARL JELLICOE

My Lords, may I ask whether it is proposed to inform the House of the results of these discussions after they have taken place?

THE EARL OF GOSFORD

My Lords, I will certainly bring that matter to the attention of my right honourable friend.