HC Deb 23 March 1981 vol 1 c217W
Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if Her Majesty's Government have received a request from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development to forward questionnaires, dealing with issues affecting bulk carriage for goods, to leading importers and exporters of iron ores, phosphates, bauxite and aluminium; and, if so, what advice he is giving;

(2) if he will make a statement as to the attitude of Her Majesty's Government concerning the request which has been made by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development officials to Western nations' interests not to block investigations into control of bulk shipping.

Mr. Eyre

The contents of such a questionnaire were agreed at the first meeting of a group of experts early this month. When we receive the questionnaire we will circulate it. I strongly urge a speedy and comprehensive response from those consulted, as this will ensure that future discussion within UNCTAD will take place on a more realistic and factual basis.