Lord Berkeleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the environmental benefit that supports the award of £8.5 million freight facility grant for the construction of the ship, the "Terra Marique". [HL2160]
234WA
§ Lord Davies of OldhamThe grant was not justified on the basis of environmental benefits alone. The department took the view that by taking the largest and most disruptive loads off busy roads, the investment would over the next 20 years reduce congestion and corresponding costs to society.
Lord Berkeleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How much private sector capital was levered in by the award of £8.5 million freight facility grant for the construction of the "Terra Marique"; who is the owner of this ship; and what assurances have been given as to the availability of commercial contracts for the ship in the United Kingdom. [HL2161]
§ Lord Davies of OldhamThe Government have met all the design and construction costs. Robert Wynn and Sons Ltd owns the vessel and carries the commercial risks of operating it. No assurances have been given about the availability of commercial contracts for the ship in the UK.