Written question asked by Gwyn Prosser (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 April 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 April 2000. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 April 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many British ratings were employed in the UK Merchant Fleet in each of the last five years. - Includes figure.

Answer: Mr. Prosser: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many British ratings were employed in the UK Merchant Fleet in each of the last five years. [118355] Mr. Hill: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency obtains data on UK seafarers from the Chamber of Shipping. The latest data available for UK ratings employed (by companies who are members of the Chamber) show that the figure is 11,340 as at May 1999. A ratings task force, chaired by the Chamber of Shipping, has been set up and job opportunities for ratings will be considered.

Secondary information