HC Deb 25 July 1984 vol 64 cc687-8W
Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how much cargo has been carried in British ships in each of the years since 1963.

Mr. Ridley

The only available information about cargo carried by United Kingdom registered vessels is derived from Customs and Excise data relating to overseas trades. The table therefore excludes cargo carried in the United Kingdom coastal trade and in the cross trades—which is very substantial. Figures prior to 1965 are not available.

Cargo carried in United Kingdom overseas trade (imports plus exports) by United Kingdom registered vessels
Year Million tonnes
1965 84.8
1966 72.2
1967 74.3
1968 75.9
1969 83.3
1970 85.6
1971 87.9
1972 84.2
1973 90.4
1974 85.6
1975 78.2
1976 83.0
1977 80.5
1978 74.6
Changes in Vehicle Excise Duty for Selected Vehicle Categories Expressed as Percentage Change in Real Terms from One Budget to Another
Vehicle Category 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 Overall Change
per cent. per cent. per cent. per cent. per cent. per cent. per cent. per cent.
Cars -7.4 -9.0 -1.5 4.2 4.5 2.2 0.7 -7.2
Motorcycles -7.4 -9.0 -1.5 4.2 4.5 2.2 0.7 -7.2
Light vans -7.4 -9.0 -1.5 2.1 -14.3 -9.2 0.7 -33.7
Buses & Coaches -7.4 -9.0 -1.5 4.2 4.5 1.4 1.4 -7.2
Goods Vehicles
7.5 tonnes gvw -7.4 -9.0 -0.7 3.9 2.5 -49.7 -17.6 -63.2
Year Million tonnes
1979 73.5
1980 77.6
1981 69.2
1982 67.8
1983 60.4