§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider measures to revive the British salvage industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisThe salvage industry depends on the amount of salvage work available (which varies with the level of world shipping and the number of casualties requiring salvage assistance). The industry also depends on the level of the awards paid after salvage has taken place. Both of these commercial realities are largely beyond the Government's control and influence. However, by negotiating the terms of the 1989 salvage convention, which are already applied through Lloyd's open forum 1990, we have sought to allow increased awards when salvors' efforts have prevented or mitigated a major marine pollution incident.