HL Deb 16 October 1990 vol 522 cc883-4WA
Lord Molloy

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is being done to reverse the decline in British shipping over the last 10 years and the consequent effects on employment both in shipping and related industries.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

Under the 1988 Merchant Shipping Act we took specific measures to give financial assistance to our shipping industry for training and crew relief costs. On 19th September, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport, in conjunction with the President of the General Council of British Shipping, announced the findings of a joint working party established to review the present state of the British shipping industry and to identify measures to improve its competitive position. The report recommended a number of areas where changes could be beneficial and these are being taken forward.

We have also commissioned research into the current and future supply and demand for UK seafarers. In the light of this and the recommendations of the joint working party, we can decide if further steps need to be taken.