§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the Baltic Exchange's proposal for a British open register; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norris[holding answer 29 March 1994]: Since the Baltic Exchange put its proposals for a British open register for shipping to Ministers on 3 December 1993 there have been a number of representations from various sources, some have been in favour, some against.
As I explained to the hon. Member on 11 January, Official Report column 124, and again more recently to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mr. Perry), Official Report, 16 March column 692, the proposal requires careful study before a conclusion can be reached. An announcement will be made shortly.