§ Mr. David Huntasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has asked for a further meeting with the Soviet Minister or officials with a view to establishing mutually acceptable guidelines for Soviet participation in international maritime trade; and whether any further consultations are anticipated in the near future.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisI have not asked for a further meeting. As I have informed the Soviet Minister, I can see no value in a resumption of discussions on general guidelines until progress has been made in resolving some of the specific issues of concern to us.
226W
§ Mr. David Huntasked the Secretary of State for Trade what consultations are being carried out by him within the EEC to develop a common strategy to defend British shipping interests; and what progress has been made.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisA number of shipping issues are being considered within the EEC. One of the most important from our point of view is that of competition from State-trading countries, particularly the Soviet Union. I expect proposals for a co-ordinated or concerted approach will come before the Council of Transport Ministers early in 1978.