To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many safety inspections were carried out on ships using UK ports in each of the last 12 months for which figures are available; what the country of registration was of each ship inspected; what the result was of the inspection was in each case; and whether any penalties were imposed.

During this period the total number of inspections of ships visiting UK ports was 1,852.

In view of the quantity of data involved the detailed information requested has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Imposition of penalties in relation to ship inspections is normally by detaining a ship found to be unfit to be at sea until the deficiency has been rectified. Ship detentions have been included in the report provided.