§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether their responses to Lord Kennet's Question (col. WA 91,1st February) "what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to ensure the greatest possible benefit to British maritime industries" from the increase in world trade as a result of the GATT agreement indicates that they are not taking such steps; and, if so, whether they accept that other Governments are doing so and what are their reasons for not doing likewise.
§ Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish)The extent to which British maritime industries will benefit from the increased opportunities resulting from the GATT agreement will depend primarily on their ability to provide competitive services. The most supportive step that the Government can take is to ensure that these industries have unfettered access to world markets. The United Kingdom already plays a leading role, in collaboration with other like-minded countries, in keeping international maritime trades open to free and fair competition. That work will continue.