§ Mr. GallieTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve the employment prospects for British seafarers; and if he will make a statement. [9447]
§ Mr. NorrisWe are pursuing a package of positive measures to improve the attractiveness of the red ensign and the employment prospects of UK seafarers. These include
Foreign earnings deduction for seafarers; 100 per cent. allowance on earning made abroad;Crew relief costs scheme: grants to alleviate the cost of flying British crews to and from distant ports.Government assistance for training scheme: grants for the training of British officer trainees to first certificate of competency;Development of certificated seafarers scheme: grants for British junior officers training for their second certificate of competency.