§ Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the official meetings he and his predecessor had with the Mayor of London since July 2000 to discuss transport issues in London, and the dates and subject of each meeting. [172206]
§ Mr. McNulty[holding answer 11 May 2004]Ministers and officials are in regular contact with the Mayor of London. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has met the Mayor on the following occasions, when a range of subjects were discussed:
26 September 2002; and
21 October 2002
660WMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's predecessor, the right hon. Member for North Tyneside (Mr Stephen Byers), met the Mayor of London on the following occasions:
- 10 November 2000;
- 15 June 2001;
- 19 July 2001;
- 10 October 2001; and
- 12 December 2001.
§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what dates in the last 12 months he has held meetings with the Mayor of London. [175177]
§ Mr. McNultyI refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given to the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Simon Hughes) today.
§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met representatives of NUMAST to discuss increasing the job opportunities for British Merchant Navy officers on UK flagged vessels. [184137]
§ Mr. JamiesonMinisters and officials meet regularly with representatives of the maritime trade unions, including NUMAST, to-discuss issues affecting the UK shipping industry. We are currently considering additional measures to enhance UK seafarer employment opportunities. Our social partners, including NUMAST, have been invited to submit proposals as part of the Government's review of tonnage tax. The possibility of an employment link in tonnage tax is one of the areas under consideration. We will announce our conclusions when all of the representations have been carefully considered.