§ Mr. Trotterasked the Minister for Trade what was the outcome of the recent discussions between the Under-Secretary and the French Minister for the Marine.
§ Mr. SproatAs part of my continuing efforts to combat damaging protectionism in world shipping and to take appropriate measures to halt the decline of the Merchant Navy, I held useful discussions with Monsieur le Pensec on a number of aspects of our bilateral shipping relations.
I was able to explain to Monsieur le Pensec how seriously I view the prospect of any further increase in protectionist tendencies in shipping throughout the world. Monsieur le Pensec assured me that the French Government would be strongly opposed to the extension of international cargo reservation schemes into the bulk trades. I told him that this was also the strong opinion of Her Majesty's Government, and that the European Community and other like-minded nations should unite on this matter.
It was within this context that we also exchanged views on current developments in world shipping generally, including joint positions in those international fora where shipping matters are considered.