TONNAGE TAX AND UK SEAFARERS' EMPLOYMENT

EDM number 838 in 2004-05, proposed by John McDonnell on 07/03/2005.

That this House is deeply concerned that the total number of UK seafaring ratings has declined from 30,000 ratings in 1980 to less than 10,000 in 2003; notes the proportion of British officers is also declining and has fallen by more than 27 per cent. in the last three years; regrets that the decline has continued despite the Government's tonnage tax regime and the millions of pounds of public subsidy to ship owners; believes the decline in UK seafarers cannot be allowed to continue if this country is to retain a core of essential maritime skills; welcomes the Transport Committee report which seeks more ambition from Government in ensuring wider benefits to the UK from the tonnage tax; believes that the Government must take responsibility for ensuring the tax delivers UK seafarers' skills; further welcomes the fact that the Government has set up a special working party to formulate measures to increase training and employment opportunities for UK ratings and officers; and urges the Government to ensure this review leads to a tonnage tax employment and training link.

This motion has been signed by a total of 64 MPs.