§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the estimated short sea prospects for the next two years.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Department does not forecast prospects for the shipping industry, but I have noted that British ship operators in the short sea sector have recently been more confident about future prospects, reflected in improved freight rates and some increased investment in new tonnage. British operators are among the most entrepreneurial and cost-effective and I will continue to argue vigorously in the Community for the liberalisation of cabotage markets and for the elimination of subsidies which distort competition and put British interests at a competitive disadvantage.