HL Deb 19 March 1985 vol 461 cc539-40WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have discussed the implications for the British shipping industry, especially in relation to ice-strengthened shipping, of the anticipated increase in trade between Britain and the Soviet Union, particularly in the light of the economic development of Siberia, which largely depends on sea and river transport.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My department is in regular contact with the British shipping industry concerning opportunities that may exist to provide additional shipping services between the United Kingdom and the USSR. The Anglo-Soviet Joint Maritime Commission has also established a working party to consider ways of increasing the opportunities for United Kingdom flag vessels in trades not covered by existing commercial agreements.