Merchant Navy (Hansard, 20 January 1981)

10. Mr. R. C. Mitchell
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what contingency plans he makes to use a merchant navy under the British flag as part of United Kingdom defence capability.

§ Mr. Speed
There are plans to take up a number of British merchant ships from trade to support a variety of defence operations including minelaying, minesweeping and reinforcement.

Mr. Mitchell
Is the Minister aware that in the last war thousands of British seamen lost their lives transporting food and troops all over the world? Does not the reduction of British ships sailing under the British flag—93 in last year alone—seriously weaken our defence capability? Will he consider spending just a small proportion of the defence budget on ensuring that a British Merchant Navy remains in existence?

§ Mr. Speed
That is not a matter for the defence budget. Notwithstanding the decline in the British merchant fleet, we are confident at the moment that all our requirements can be met. I hope that some of the hon. Gentleman's constituents will have heard some of his remarks.

§ Mr. Trotter
Can the Minister confirm that there are very close relationships between his Department and the General Council of British Shipping as to the war use of the Merchant Navy? Can he also tell us what progress has been made in respect of the intriguing idea of using helicopters from container ships, carrying the control and maintenance equipment in containers which could be put aboard very readily in case of war?

§ Mr. Speed
I can confirm that there is excellent co-operation between the General Council of British Shipping, my Department and other Government Departments. As to using helicopters from merchant ships, as I announced in the Navy debate, we are at present conducting a study into the possibility of using tankers for such a role. Container ships are another possibility. That study is continuing in my own Department.

§ Mr. Kenneth Lewis
Can my hon. Friend confirm that it does not help to keep the British merchant fleet at the top of the league, where it should be, if British merchant seamen are on strike?

§ Mr. Speed
I would rather not comment on that. However, I certainly want to see a strong and viable British merchant fleet.