§ Mr. Clifford ForsytheTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what financial aid has been given to the United Kingdom fleet to encourage the employment of British ratings. [21748]
§ Mr. NorrisGovernment assistance for training—GAFT—is paid in respect both of ratings and cadets under 18 on approved training courses. GAFT s total budget, including youth training funding, is £3.4 million a year.
The crew relief costs scheme makes grants towards the cost of flying British seafarers to and from distant ports. The scheme, which applies equally to British ratings and officers, has a budget of £2 million a year.
More generally, Government policies are designed to improve the competitive position of British shipping, providing career opportunities for British ratings and officers.