§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Government of Guatemala, in breach of international agreements, has just begun to operate flag discrimination against the shipping of other nations, including Great Britain, that the International Chamber of Shipping has issued a protest against this, that hundreds of British ships are already laid up idle in British ports, and that this new discrimination will further injure British shipping; and if he will make a detailed and comprehensive statement of his plans to protect British shipping in these circumstances.
§ Mr. MarplesYes. Her Majesty's Government protested strongly to the Government of Guatemala about these discriminatory measures on 21st August, 1959 and I fully endorse the statement which was issued by the International Chamber of Shipping on 22nd October, 1959. The Guatemalan ships in question have since been withdrawn from the United Kingdom trade. With regard to flag discrimination generally there is no easy solution but Her Majesty's Government will continue to collaborate closely with the shipping industry and with other countries in opposing such practices, using all the means at our disposal.