§ 2.43 p.m.
§ LORD SHINWELLMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the regulations contained in the Merchant Shipping Act have been submitted to the National Seamen's Union and with what result.
EARL OF GOWRIEMy Lords, the National Union of Seamen were fully consulted about all the regulations which have been made under the Merchant Shipping Act 1970. Their comments were received and considered and taken into account in the drafting of the regulations.
§ LORD SHINWELLMy Lords, is the noble Earl aware that the Act which is under review in this Question came into operation nearly three years ago; that it has taken all that time for consultation to take place, and as yet no decisions have been reached? As the regulations are of the utmost importance, will he advise his right honourable friend to expedite the matter so that the National Union of Seamen, on behalf of its members, may be made aware of the position?
§ LORD MAYBRAY-KINGMy Lords, is the noble Earl aware that the noble Lord, Lord Shinwell, speaks from experience after a lifetime of devotion to the cause of the merchant seamen; that he was largely responsible over many years for securing this Act and that the criticism he makes ought to be taken as a very serious one?