§ Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking in the Council of Ministers to ensure free access for British ships to trade in the coastal waters of the European Community; and what reasons have been given by member Governments for denying British ships such rights of cabotage.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe Government have made clear, in the Council of Ministers and in other international for a, their rooted objection to restrictive cabotage laws and other cargo reservation legislation. Within the European Community, we have stressed our view that all such laws are contrary to the spirit of the Treaty of Rome. We have pressed the Commission of the European Communities to take action on this matter and expect them to come forward with practical proposals for Community measures by the end of this year.