HC Deb 03 February 1989 vol 146 cc438-9W
Mr. Woodcock

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give the present numbers and deadweight tonnages of the United Kingdom-owned trading fleet; what were the figures one year ago; and whether he has measures in mind to prevent any further decline.

Mr. Portillo

The information requested is as follows:

Trading vessels directly owned in the United Kingdom
31 December 1987 Number million dwt 31 December 1988 Number million dwt
100 grt and over of which 857 17.6 857 16.6
500 grt and over 648 17.5 621 16.5

A number of measures were introduced last year, including assistance towards officer training and crew relief costs. The effect of these measures is being closely monitored.