HL Deb 08 July 1976 vol 372 cc1302-3

3.8 p.m.

Baroness WARD of NORTH TYNESIDE

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

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government when the delegation representing the shipping interests of the Western Powers will be received by the USSR to discuss the problems arising out of the low shipping freightage charges of the USSR.

Lord ORAM

My Lords, I understand that a delegation from the Council of European and Japanese National Ship-owners' Associations went to Leningrad for talks with Soviet shipping lines at the beginning of this week.

Baroness WARD of NORTH TYNESIDE

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that information. When the delegation return—which, of course, is very important—can the House be told what success they have had with the Soviet Union, before our shipping really disintegrates?

Lord ORAM

I heard this morning, my Lords, that the delegation have in fact arrived home, and I am sure that that will relieve any anxiety on the part of the noble Baroness. In fact, a Press statement on their talks has been issued only this morning. If it will help the noble Baroness, I will see that she has a copy immediately after Question Time.

Baroness WARD of NORTH TYNESIDE

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord very much for his kindness, may I ask whether he does not agree that it is important that a Statement should be made in our Record in this House, so that people who really understand the problems of the shipping industry, as well as the public in general, may have the full facts in front of them ?

Lord ORAM

I entirely agree, my Lords. It would take too long at this stage to read out the Statement, but I have no doubt that the noble Baroness will pursue at Question Time any particular piece of information she would like to be put on the Record.

Lord HAWKE

My Lords, have Her Majesty's Government any idea of the level of seamen's pay prevalent in the Soviet Union's maritime fleet ?

Lord ORAM

My Lords, I am afraid that, without notice, I cannot give that information to the noble Lord.