§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he 155W has made to the Governments of the United States of America and Panama about the effect of the Panama Canal treaties on British shipping using the canal; what arrangements, if any, he expects to be made to enable countries, including Great Britain, to appeal against excessive increases in canal tolls; and what arbitrational machinery, if any, is to be created.
§ Mr. RowlandsRepresentations have been made to the Governments of the United States and Panama on numerous occasions in recent years, both before and after signature of the new treaties. We have made clear our concern that the existing transit rights of British merchant and naval ships should be maintained. Britain wholeheartedly supports the treaties and we believe that those rights will continue to be protected. We have also made known the British shipping industry's concern about the possible effect of the treaties on the level of tolls. I am advised that there is no provision in the treaties for appeals against toll increases or arbitration.