§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the size of the British merchant fleet was(a) in 1980, (b) in 1990 and (c) on the latest date for which figures are available; and what plans he has to support the merchant fleet. [163535]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe size of the British registered trading fleet (including the Isle of Man and Channel Islands) of vessels 500 gross tons and over, in these years was as follows. 1165W
End year Thousand Wt. 1980 42,308 1990 7,446 2003 19,719 The Government's shipping policy to support the merchant fleet is outlined in the White Paper "British Shipping: Charting a new course". An update of the current status of the 33 actions from 'Charting' has been placed in the Libraries of the House in accordance with the answer of 24 February 2004, Official Report, column 343W.