§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future protection of the Merchant Navy. [161912]
§ Mr. IngramThe Royal Navy works closely with other Government Departments on the need to protect shipping and employs a worldwide Maritime Trade Operations (MTO) policy, which enables it to offer a number of options to support merchant shipping. They range from provision of routine advice and guidance, through to Naval supervision of merchant vessels. Decisions about the timing and type of support offered are informed by the threat level in a region or area. The global threat to merchant shipping is kept under constant review, and if necessary, additional MTO measures can be implemented quickly. Decisions over future safeguards or levels of protection will always reflect the level of threat that is present.