§ Mr. LoydenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to meet the chairman of British Shipping to discuss the future of the British merchant fleet.
§ Mr. NorrisMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and my right hon. and noble Friend Lord Caithness meet the president of the Chamber of Shipping and other industry representatives periodically to discuss a wide range of shipping issues.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of international shipping was carried by British-owned ships in 1991; what were the comparable figures for 1971 and 1981; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisThe information requested is not available. However, figures showing the proportion of United Kingdom international seaborne trade carried in United Kingdom registered vessels are published annually. The latest is a Department of Transport Statistics Report, "Seaborne Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom 1991", available in the Library.