HC Deb 09 March 1978 vol 945 cc769-70W
Mr. Radice

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what effect the new Panama Canal treaties will have on the free passage of British shipping.

Dr. Owen

Britain has vital interests in the Panama Canal. Our ships are the second largest users. We have made an exhaustive study of the texts of the new treaties, which we unreservedly support as a permanent and stable solution to the future of the canal. In our view the treaties will ensure the maintenance of the canal as a major international water way free and open to all ships of all nations.