§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport who are the members of his team reviewing the strategic and defence needs for British merchant shipping; when he expects this review to be completed; and if he will place copies of the review when complete in the Library.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonI have been asked to reply.
The defence need for merchant shipping is kept under regular review as part of normal planning. The ability of British merchant shipping to meet those needs is being considered inter Departmentally and a statement will be made in due course. There will not be a published report.