§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many British-owned ships have used the Panama canal in each of the past two years; and if he will give details of matters relating to use of the canal discussed in the same period with British shipping interests.
§ Mr. Portillo[holding answer 20 July 1989]: The number of United Kingdom flag vessels using the Panama canal in each of the past two years from October 1986 to September 1988 is as follows. British-owned vessels that do not fly the United Kingdom flag cannot be identified separately and are not included in the figures. The information is obtained from the annual reports of the Panama Canal Commission.
Number October 1986 to September 1987 396 October 1987 to September 1988 460 We continue to keep all matters relating to the canal under review, in close consultation with British shipping interests.