HC Deb 29 November 1976 vol 921 c23W
Sir Frederic Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will now take the initiative to convene a European Conference of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in regard to establishing a common shipping policy in accordance with a recent recommendation by the Assembly of the Council of Europe; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Clinton Davis

No. Adequate international machinery already exists for discussing these questions, and I doubt if a further conference of the kind envisaged would serve any useful purpose.