§ LORD SHINWELLMy Lords, as I put down this Question several weeks ago not anticipating the debate which took place last week, and as my noble friend gave me a satisfactory answer then, I do not press the matter.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what amendments in the regulations concerned with the Merchant Shipping Act are intended to modify penalties for violations of discipline.
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY (LORD BESWICK)My Lords, for the Record, I will give the Answer. The Merchant Shipping Bill, as I explained on the Second Reading this week, proposes changes to Sections 27 to 31 and Section 34 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1970 which are concerned with discipline on board United Kingdom registered ships. The maximum fine which may be imposed for an offence under Section 27, concerned with serious misconduct, is to be increased from £200 to £400. Sections 29 and 31 are to be repealed and Section 30 amended. The maximum fine which may be specified in Regulations made under Section 34 is to be increased from £10 to £20; it is the intention to use this power to increase the maximum fine which may be imposed by the master for offences relating to smoking in tankers, from £10 to £20. In view of what my noble friend has said, may I thank him again for the contribution he made to the Second Reading of the Merchant Shipping Bill.
§ LORD SHINWELLMy Lords, I am very grateful to my noble friend and I 1536 hope that I have not caused him any inconvenience.