§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he will take to increase the numbers of new officer recruits to the Merchant Navy; and if he will make a statement. [42547]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonWe are committed to increasing the numbers of British trained seafarers. A new seafarer training support scheme—SMarT—began on 1 April 1998 which consolidates and expands on the previous training300W support schemes. For the financial year 1998–99, SMarT has a budget 30% greater than the total paid out in grants for seafarer training in 1997–98.
§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to reduce employment costs in the Merchant Navy; and if he will make a statement. [42548]
§ 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. One of the areas the Shipping Working Group examined was the employment environment for British seafarers. The Deputy Prime Minister is currently considering the recommendations of the Shipping Working Group.