HC Deb 14 December 1960 vol 632 cc51-2W
71. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the decline in the state of the shipping industry which is being brought about by flag discrimination, subsidies by foreign countries to their own shipping fleets, flags of convenience and the incidence of taxation; and what steps he now proposes to take to deal with these problems.

Mr. Marples

Although British shipping is at present facing formidable problems it is certainly not in a state of general decline. The matters to which the hon. Member draws attention are clearly important for the future of the industry. I expect shortly to receive recommendations from the General Council of British Shipping which will no doubt help me in my further consideration of them.