§ 33. Mr. Allan Robertsasked the Minister for Trade what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the future of British merchant shipping.
§ Mr. SproatThe Government wish to see a thriving British merchant navy, and are naturally very concerned at the continuing decline of the United Kingdom-registered fleet in the face of depressed world shipping markets. I have recently received from the General Council of British Shipping detailed representations on the position, and I also have the views of the maritime unions. I shall be considering, in consultation with the council and the unions, the defence and wider economic implications of the situation.