§ 4. Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to halt the continuing decline in the size of the British merchant marine.
§ Mr. RidleyI am pursuing vigorously the recent progress by officials from the USA and the states in the Consultative Shipping Group on co-ordinated action against protectionism in shipping. I am pressing for swift action on the shipping measures proposed earlier this month to the Council of Ministers by the European Commission. I am in close touch with the General Council of British Shipping on all points it has raised for Government action.