§ 23. Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government propose to introduce this Session any legislation amending the Merchant Shipping Acts?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe Merchant Shipping (International Labour Conventions) Bill, which has passed Second Reading in another place, will amend the Merchant Shipping Acts in several particulars, in accordance with three International Labour Conventions. Further, a Bill will shortly be introduced to enable compliance with the wireless and other safety requirements imposed by foreign Governments on merchant shipping to be recognised by this country, on condition of reciprocity, as a compliance with the British requirements, where there is substantial equivalence.
§ Mr. ALEXANDERDoes not the right lion. Gentleman think that a sufficient time has now elapsed since the passing of the existing Act to warrant the introduction of legislation consolidating the law and bringing in some amendments in order to improve the service?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERConsolidation is one thing, and it may be that it might be a good thing if there is Parliamentary time for it. With regard to amendments, I should very much hesitate to commit the Government at all, because this country is already far in advance of most other countries in the Regulations it imposes, and to impose new Regulations not imposed by other countries would only result in creating unemployment.