HC Deb 12 July 1988 vol 137 c137W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will publish in theOfficial Report a table showing the names and ownership of the vessels which have applied for the protection of the British flag for their operations in the Persian Gulf since British naval vessels were dispatched there; and if he will introduce a levy on such vessels in order to pay for their protection.

Mr. David Mitchell

It is not possible to provide this information going back to September 1980, except at a wholly disproportionate cost.

There is no intention of introducing a levy on reflagged vessels to pay for their protection by the Royal Navy.