HC Deb 25 February 1992 vol 204 c478W
Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to restrict North sea supply vessels to those which sail under the British flag.

Mr. McLoughlin

No. It is our policy to seek the removal of such restrictions elsewhere. Liberalisation of cabotage trade, including offshore supply services, is currently one of our main objectives in the European Community. We believe this to be in the best interests of the British shipping industry as well as of those who use its services.