HC Deb 20 March 2002 vol 382 cc347-8W
Mr. Carmichael

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps his Department plans to take to support the United Kingdom short sea shipping sector. [43592]

Mr. Jamieson

The Government recognise that operators in the short sea trades are at a disadvantage compared with those in the deep sea sector. They are, therefore, considering a proposal by the industry for a short sea shipping employment grant to encourage employment in the short sea sector.

Mr. Carmichael

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment has been made of the effects of introducing a short sea shipping employment grant. [43591]

Mr. Jamieson

Ministers have considered a proposal for the introduction of short sea shipping employment grant. The parties involved have been requested to forward more information on how such a grant would help to generate more UK seafarer employment.