HC Deb 13 February 1989 vol 147 cc24-5W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many merchant vessels of more that 500 gross registered tonnage were built outwith the United Kingdom for United Kingdom shipping firms in each of the past 10 years; what types they were; and in which countries they were built.

Mr. Atkins

The information available, which relates to vessels built overseas for United Kingdom registration, is shown in the table.

By country of build
Number
Year Japan Denmark Netherlands Poland Germany Other Total
1979 17 3 — 2 2 10 34
1980 11 6 4 — 4 5 30
1981 6 — 5 3 — 6 20
1982 4 2 4 2 1 9 22
1983 1 2 — — 1 7 11
1984 2 — 1 — 1 7 11
1985 1 2 1 — — 4 8
1986 — 4 3 — — — 7
1987 1 — — — 3 2 6
1988 — — — — — 1 1
1 First nine months.

Note:

Only vessels of over 500 gross tonnes are included.

Mr. McCrindle

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will press for international action to eliminate excessive shipbuilding credit arrangements and for the rationalisation of the world shipping industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Atkins

The Government's objective is to achieve a reduction in subsidies across the range of officially supported export credits on a multilateral basis. Any consequent reduction in shipbuilding credits should contribute to the rationalisation of world shipping.