Baroness WARD of NORTH TYNESIDEMy Lords, I beg leave 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 the result is yet known of inquiries into the freightage charges of cargo ships of the Soviet Union and whether any satisfactory action has been agreed which will meet the requirements of British ship owners for fair competitive tendering.
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, the noble Baroness will be aware that these matters are being pursued at home and with our friends abroad. Progress is being made, but I think it would be premature for me to go beyond that now.
Baroness WARD of NORTH TYNESIDEMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that Answer. Is he aware that I did not know that the matter was being pursued but that I am glad to hear that it is? Can he give any information as to whether the Russians are likely to agree? If not, may I ask for an under-taking that when the latest guest from Russia comes to this country it will be put to him in no uncertain terms that British shipping requires fair competitive tendering?
Lord WINTER BOTTOMMy Lords, as the noble Baroness knows, because I have told her on a couple of occasions, Britain cannot act alone in this matter. OECD is engaged in discussions with us, as is the Consultative Shipping Group, which is comprised of 12 European nations, plus Japan. When we have formulated a common attitude, doubtless an approach will be made to the Russians and. indeed, to any other nation which is 1402 cutting rates to an uneconomic level. The second part of the supplementary question of the noble Baroness is a matter for the Foreign Office and not for me.