HC Deb 05 March 1999 vol 326 cc963-4W
Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on investment in the United Kingdom maritime industry. [74490]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Investment in shipping and ports is a matter for private industry and their assessment of future demand, revenues and costs. The Government are concerned that investment should take place which enhances the competitiveness of the maritime industries, efficiently services UK industry and contributes to its aims of sustainable development. Recent publications such as the White Paper "The Future of Transport, British Shipping: Charting a New Course and Sustainable Distribution: A Strategy" set out the Government views on what they can do to improve the climate of investment in the maritime industries. Also relevant is the consultation paper "Review of Trust Ports and Ports Policy Paper: Draft Outline."

Deliveries of new vessels to UK private sector shipowners Total cost, numbers and tonnage
Year Cost (£ million) Number Gt. million tones
1987 295 11 0.244
1988 15 6 0.021
1989 209 24 0.201
1990 159 22 0.334
1991 368 30 0.296
1992 253 23 0.161
1993 378 24 0.356
1994 283 16 0.262
1995 472 13 0.326
1996 79 14 0.025
Investment in ports by port authorities1
£ million
1986 70
1987 65
1988 84
1989 114
1990 130
1991 115
1992 107
1993 123
1994 120
1995 165
1996 150
1The figures are for port authorities only and do not include investment by other companies operating in ports.