asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has about cargo in Great Britain waiting for late uplift because of ships' slower sailing.

We have made inquiries with the British Shippers' Council, the Institute of Freight Forwarders and the Chamber of Shipping about delays in the shipment of cargo from this country. But we have received no evidence that any significant volume of cargo has been held up here because of the slower sailing of ships.

In view of the importance of keeping exports moving, will my hon. Friend report on the discussions taking place in OECD about bunkering and will the Government do all in their power to retain the traditional bunkering pattern?

Certainly we recognise the importance of maintaining a bunkering pattern that will provide the maximum help to our shipping industry. We support the recommendation from the OECD discussions that all Governments should give priority to the supply of oil for bunkers in accordance with the normal pattern.