§ Mr. Bill Walkerasked the Minister for Trade if he will make a statement on his recent talks with the Greek Minister of Shipping.
§ Mr. SproatI visited Piraeus on 18 November to discuss shipping policy and bilateral matters with the new Greek Minister of Mercantile Marine, Mr. George200W Katsifaras. This meeting was most valuable. The discussions confirmed that the British and Greek Governments share a common view on the main problems of international shipping. In particular, we reaffirmed our commitment to safeguard and foster commercial principles in shipping to the maximum extent possible. Furthermore, we agreed that officials of both Governments, following my successful meeting, should meet shortly to review in greater depth those areas of joint concern where we might usefully make common cause in order to combat the spread of protectionism in shipping.