HC Deb 03 February 1998 vol 305 cc630-1W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will instigate a strategic review of (i) United Kingdom aviation policy and (ii) United Kingdom shipping policy as a separate exercise from his overall review of transport. [25965]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The Government are carrying out a fundamental review of transport policy leading to the publication of a White Paper later this year. Our aim in the White Paper is to establish the overall framework of an integrated transport policy within which policies relevant to specific modes, including aviation and shipping, can be developed in due course. We believe that UK aviation and shipping have an essential role to play within a fully integrated transport system.

In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister has established a Shipping Working Group in order to consider measures which could revive the UK shipping industry and increase British seafarer training and employment.