HC Deb 03 December 2003 vol 415 cc54-5W
Mr. Hancock:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times foreign ships have been detained for falling short of safety standards following inspection in British ports in each year since 2000––01; what (a) prosecutions and (b) penalties have resulted; what the current annual budget is for the inspection and enforcement of international, European and national safety standards; and if he will make a statement. [141360]

Mr. Jamieson:

The number of foreign flag ships detained in UK ports as a result of Port State Control inspections in each year since 2000–01 is as follows:

Number of Detentions
2000 112
2001 114
2002 116
2003 to date 91
Total 433

None of these detentions have needed to be followed by a formal prosecution.

In the current financial year the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's budget for ship inspections and related activity including enforcement is £25,769,000.