HC Deb 07 February 1968 vol 758 c138W
Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that about 650 British merchant ships are now East of Suez and that in 1966 this area accounts for over £2,000 million worth of United Kingdom trade; and what study he has made of the likelihood of further discrimination against British shipping, once British naval presence has gone.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu:

I am well aware that this is an important area for our shipping and our trade, but I do not think that discrimination is much influenced by the presence or absence of naval units.