§ Mr. CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he plans to take to support the British merchant shipping industry, with particular reference to(a) encouraging investment and (b) increasing training. [43975]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonMy right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister established a Shipping Working Group late last year to examine ways to promote the interests of British shipping and British seafarers. The Deputy Prime Minister is currently considering the recommendations of the Shipping Working Group. We have also introduced a new seafarer training support scheme—SMarT—which consolidates and expands on the previous training support schemes.