§ Q114. Sir David Priceasked the Prime Minister what steps she intends to take to seek to reverse the decline in the British merchant fleet.
§ The Prime MinisterMany of the factors that have led to the reduction in the British merchant fleet over the last decade are outside the control of either the industry or the Government. We are, of course, doing all that we can in international negotiations to create conditions that will give opportunities to British ships and encourage United Kingdom ownership of vessels, preferably under the British flag. At home we are working to reduce the burden of costs and marine regulations.