§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the conclusions reached at the Council of Ministers meeting of 28 March on maritime safety; what measures are under discussion involving co-operation with(a) defence ministers and (b) European defence agencies for future presentation to a European Council meeting concerning a global strategy by the European Union in the Field of Maritime Security; and what is his policy thereon. [119815]
§ Mr. HillI have been asked to reply.
In answer to the first part of his question on maritime safety I refer the hon. Member to my reply given on 30 March 2000, Official Report, columns 230-31W. In answer to the second part, my right hon. Friend the 499W Secretary of State for Defence has not had any discussions concerning a global strategy by the European Union in the field of maritime security.