§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the proportion of exports from and imports to the United Kingdom, excluding ferry operations, carried in British registered ships; and what approximate proportion of ships engaged in ferry services to and from the continent are registered in United Kingdom ports.
§ Mr. McLoughlinInformation is not available in the form requested. However the table shows, for 1989, the percentage, by value and by weight, of imports and exports carried in United Kingdom-registered vessels, distinguishing separately trade with Eurpean countries:
Percentage of trade carried in United Kingdom registered vessels: 1989 European Countries Rest of World Total By weight Imports 21 20 21 Exports 26 9 21 By value Imports 40 18 34 Exports 44 20 37 Information on the proportion of ships engaged in ferry services to and from the continent that are United Kingdom registered vessels is not available.