HL Deb 11 March 1999 vol 598 cc52-4WA
The Earl of Caithness

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much additional taxpayers' money will be given to shipping as a result of British Shipping: Charting a New Course. [HL1332]

Lord Whitty

The Government have allocated £18.6 million over the three year period 1999–2002 and have committed to providing sufficient long-term funding for the SMarT training support scheme to meet forecast demand in key training categories. They are also committed to ensuring appropriate funding for the expansion of the current Crew Relief Costs Scheme and to extending the Freight Facilities Grant Scheme to include coastal and short-sea shipping which will require an increase in government funding, although the requirement has yet to be established. In addition, fiscal options which are currently being considered have the potential for an increased cost to government.

The Earl of Caithness

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will set targets for the employment of officers and ratings registered with the British Chamber of Shipping. [HL1331]

Lord Whitty

Targets will be developed for each appropriate action point within the next few months by the catalyst groups which have been established to take forward the implementation of the 33 action points set out in the Government's shipping policy paper.