Decline In The Merchant Fleet

EDM number 283 in 1991-92, proposed by Brian Wilson on 27/11/1991.

That this House condemns the continuing failure of Her Majesty's Government to take action to safeguard the existence of a United Kingdom-registered merchant fleet; regrets the continuing trend among British shipowners towards flagging out to bolt-holes of convenience which allow them to avoid British taxation, crewing standards and conditions of safety; notes with dismay that the new President of the Chamber of Shipping (formerly the General Council of British Shipping) is also Chairman of a company which has just transferred two vessels to the Bahamian flag of convenience, hauling down the Red Duster and taking on crews of Polish officers and ratings; acknowledges the statements by the company, F. W. Everard, that it does not wish to behave in this way but is persuaded to do so by the total lack of interest on the part of the present Government in maintaining a United Kingdom-registered fleet; and believes that the virtual destruction of the British-registered merchant fleet, through policies designed to encourage maximisation of profit at the expense of all other interests will be regarded in retrospect as one of the greatest crimes perpetrated against this country by Her Majesty's Government during the years from 1979 to 1992.

This motion has been signed by a total of 55 MPs.