§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport which countries enforce cargo reservation policies that are detrimental to British shipping interests; what type, tonnage and percentage of cargoes are affected; and what remedial measures he intends to take.
§ Mr. David MitchellA wide variety of cargo reservation measures have been introduced, largely, but not exclusively, by developing countries. However these are applied with varying degrees of severity and it is impossible to quantify their impact. The most comprehensive statement of these measures is produced by the OECD maritime transport committee and its latest report is in the Commons Library.
The United Kingdom plays a major part in tackling these restrictionist policies in collaboration with our partners in the Community and through our chairmanship of the consultative shipping group.