HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc376-7W
26. Sir David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the Government's policy for the future of the British Merchant Navy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ridley

The Government will continue to fight strenuously for the widest and fairest possible opportunities for British merchant shipping to compete in the shipping markets of the world. The industry's future will depend mainly on the use it makes of those opportunities, and thus on the enterprise of our shipowners and seafarers. These have always been the main factors in the industry's fortunes.