HL Deb 10 February 1994 vol 551 c91WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What increase in international transport they anticipate as a result of the recent GATT agreement; how much of that increase they expect to fall to the British shipping and shipbuilding industry; and what steps are they taking to ensure the greatest possible benefit to British maritime industries.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish)

A recent OECD study estimated that the annual increase in world income resulting from the GATT agreement may be in the order of 270 billion US dollars. This will create significant new trading opportunities for British industries, including the shipbuilding and maritime industries.