HL Deb 20 June 1977 vol 384 cc392-3

2.43 p.m.

Baroness WARD of NORTH TYNESIDE

My 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 they will make a statement on competition with the Eastern bloc in world liner trade, in view of the retaliatory action reported to have been taken by France, Holland and West Germany.

Lord ORAM

My Lords, so far as I am aware, no retaliatory action has been taken by France, the Netherlands or the Federal Republic of Germany. The Soviet Government are well aware that Her Majesty's Government and the Governments of other European countries have contingency powers which enable them to take retaliatory action. However, it was made clear to Mr. Guzhenko the Soviet Minister of Mercantile Marine, during his recent visit to the United Kingdom, that we would first wish to explore the possibility of reaching a reasonable accommodation.

Baroness WARD of NORTH TYNESIDE

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that Answer, may I say that he will be as aware as I am of the action taken by Great Britain? Having regard to the Answer to my Question, pointing out that France, West Germany or Holland appear to have taken no action, can he get Her Majesty's Government to buck them up, in view of the fact that we do a lot for them in many ways? Is it not a fact that they ought to be encouraged, and even perhaps pushed, to do more for us in this very important matter to help our people in this country against the Soviet Union and their low freightage charges?

Lord ORAM

My Lords, concern about these matters has been expressed in the European countries to which the noble Baroness refers. I think it would be true that, to be effective, any retaliatory action would have to be taken by European countries in concert. Therefore, if it came to the point where we have to take action—we hope it would not—we certainly would be in touch with the other countries on the Continent.

Lord CAMPBELL of CROY

My Lords, as the British shipping industry is very large in comparison to Britain's economy in the world, can the noble Lord tell the House what the Government see as the next step following the visit of Mr. Guzhenko, and what further stage is likely to be reached in these very important discussions?

Lord ORAM

Not at this stage, my Lords. The noble Lord will recall a Question by the noble Baroness on Thursday last about the consultations which took place during the course of last week. She then indicated that she would be putting down a Question in something like a week's time. That will give us an opportunity of assessing the results of those consultations. I think that would be a better time at which to make any such Statement.

Baroness WARD of NORTH TYNESIDE

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord this further question: Would he give me an assurance that he will not forget?—because I am sure he will be aware that Governments of all Parties also want a little pushing.

Lord ORAM

My Lords, I can give the noble Baroness that assurance and if I should be at all defective I am sure she will remind me.