HC Deb 14 February 1983 vol 37 c37W
Mr. Woolmer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has yet decided whether to invite the merchant shipping trade unions to join the shipping defence advisory committee.

Mr. Ian Stewart

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State responsible for shipping matters at the Department of Trade is closely in touch with the merchant shipping trade unions on a number of issues following the Falklands campaign. The Government have concluded, however, that it would not be appropriate to invite them to join the shipping defence advisory committee.