§ 60. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that Finland, Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and Italy prevent by legislation British shipping from participating in their coastal trade; and what representations Her Majesty's Government have made or planned to enable British ships to participate in that coastal trade.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettWe are aware that these countries have legislation generally reserving their coastal trade to their own ships. My right hon. Friend would be prepared to consider whether representations could usefully be made to the Governments concerned if British shipowners were to tell him that a modification of this legislation would be of real benefit to them.