§ Mr. JamiesonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on Government plans to promote the environmental advantages of shipping as a means of transporting freight. [7839]
§ Mr. BowisIt must be for industry to determine whether water can provide both a practical means to its transport needs and make good commercial sense.
We encourage industry to consider the benefits of using shipping as an alternative to road transport where this is feasible.
Freight facilities grants are available for inland waterway capital developments that can demonstrate environmental benefits saving lorry miles.
38W
Preserved County Year Conservative Labour Liberal/Democrat Plaid Cymru Independent Not known Total Clwyd 1990 5 9 5 2 2 0 23 1991 4 8 0 2 3 0 17 1992 18 10 9 1 1 0 39 1993 11 6 7 0 0 0 24 1994 9 6 5 1 0 0 21 1995 10 10 1 1 0 0 22 1996 3 4 0 1 0 0 8 Dyfed 1990 3 3 4 0 0 3 13 1991 5 6 3 3 2 0 19 1992 6 2 3 0 5 0 16 1993 4 7 5 3 5 0 24 1994 1 4 2 1 4 0 12 1995 6 8 4 8 3 3 32 1996 0 4 0 1 0 0 5 Mid Glamorgan 1990 6 11 0 1 0 1 19 1991 6 13 0 0 6 0 25 1992 3 11 1 1 0 0 16 1993 4 5 4 1 0 0 14 1994 3 7 2 1 3 0 16 1995 2 4 1 0 0 0 7 1996 1 7 0 1 0 0 9 South Glamorgan 1990 7 6 6 1 4 0 23 1991 7 2 3 2 3 0 17 1992 9 6 6 1 0 3 25 1993 10 9 3 1 3 0 26 1994 6 8 2 0 5 0 21 1995 5 7 3 0 3 0 18 1996 6 9 4 0 1 0 20
§ Mr. JamiesonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his Department's plans to support the British-registered merchant navy. [7840]
§ Mr. BowisWe recognise that shipping makes an important contribution to our nation's well-being. We have put in place a range of targeted measures, including simplified procedures, liberalised officer nationality requirements, substantial and effective financial assistance to seafarer training and tax incentives to replace aging tonnage.
We have also taken tough action against sub-standard shipping and continue to urge other countries to exercise discipline in the use of market-distorting state aids.
These measures are making a positive contribution to the industry's competitive position in increasingly competitive international markets, the attractiveness of the red ensign and career opportunities for British seafarers.