§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many British registered ships have been400W the subject of attack by pirates in each half year for the last five years; in which areas of the world these attacks have taken place; what the cost in (a) human, (b) freight and (c) shipping terms has been; and what steps he is taking to deal with the problem. [134964]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe number of British registered ships that have been the subject of attack by pirates since 1998, and the areas of the world where these attacks have taken place, are as follows:
January to June July to December 1998 Americas 3 — Indian Sub-Continent 1 — South East Asia — 2 1999 South East Asia — 1 South America 1 1 2000 Africa 1 — Americas — 2 Far East — 1 South East Asia 1 2 2001 Indian Sub-Continent 1 — South East Asia 1 2 2002 Africa 3 1 Americas 1 3 Far East 2 — Indian Sub-Continent 1 1 South East Asia 3 2 2003 Africa 2 — Americas 2 — Far East I — South East Asia 4 — Note:
These figures are for the British Fleet, and include the United Kingdom, Crown Dependencies and Dependent Territories combined fleets.
There have been no reported instances of any seafarers being killed on a British ship during the period, and no British ships have lbeen stolen. Ship equipment, stores, personal effects and cash have been stolen during attacks but an exact inventory is not held centrally.
Concerted action by the international community is the key to addressing the problem. The UK has participated in several counter piracy seminars in "hotspot" areas, has prepared and issued Codes of Practice for the investigation of piracy incidents and the registration of "phantom" (stolen) ships, and raised the matter at international events, including the United Nations General Assembly.
The UK Government meet the maritime industry on a regular basis to discuss how best the UK can continue to help tackle the problem of piracy. In November 2002 revised counter piracy advice was re-issued to all UK seafarers, and we have also issued advice on measures and equipment to assist ship operators.
401WThe new IMO requirements for ships to have internationally agreed security measures in place by July 2004 will also help to protect them from piracy attacks.