Farron condemns ship of foolishness

4.00.00pm GMT Fri 3rd Nov 2006

Local MP Tim Farron has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons in light of recent stories about giant container ships delivering Chinese-made toys to British stores in time for Christmas.

The Emma Maersk 3, the world's largest container ship brought in 3,000 40ft containers filled with MP3 players, soft toys and sudoku games from the Far East.

Tim Farron said:

"The contents of the Emma Maersk 3, thousands of toys, electronic goods and even frozen foods could have been purchased from British manufacturers and farmers. The Government should take action to prevent the damaging effects of unfettered free trade.

"Aside from the economic costs, there is also the massive environmental cost of a ship powered by the world's largest diesel engine steaming half way round the world. How can this Government claim to be serious about the environment and allow this to continue?"