Tonnage Tax Participants

Mr. Brazier
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was paid by tonnage tax participants as payment in lieu of training in each of the last five years for which records are available; and how the money was spent.

Dr. Ladyman
It was agreed when the tonnage tax scheme was devised that the collection of payments in lieu of training (PILOT) and the distribution of moneys would be carried out independently of the Department. PILOT payments are made to the Maritime Training Trust (MTT), a body set up by the Chamber of Shipping and maritime trade unions, and the moneys received are allocated by the Maritime Educational Foundation (MEF), a charity established by the MTT to promote UK seafarer training. My officials have contacted the MTT/MEF, which will provide the requested information direct to the hon. Member.