HC Deb 05 July 1984 vol 63 cc238-9W
Mr. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates are forecast within his Department for the size of the British merchant fleet by the end of 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990, respectively.

Mr. David Mitchell

My Department does not make such forecasts. The size of the British merchant fleet will depend on the level of world seaborne trade and on the success of our shipping industry in competing for a share of it.