§ Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of War Transport if any discussions have yet taken place with the U.S.A. and other principal maritime Powers on the question of shipping quotas and other questions of postwar policy; or whether steps are being taken to formulate a British policy before the next meeting of the United Maritime Authority.
§ Mr. BarnesEvery opportunity is taken for informal exchanges of view with the U.S.A. and other principal maritime powers on questions concerning shipping policy after the termination of the U.M.A. period. No discussion has taken place in this connection on shipping quotas. I do not consider that the establishment by inter-governmental agreement of quotas for each flag could be consistent with the aim of providing efficient and economical shipping services for the benefit of all nations. In reply to the last part of the Question, I can assure my hon. Friend that I am actively preparing for the next meeting of the United Maritime Authority.