HC Deb 02 March 1973 vol 851 c465W
Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures are taken to ensure safe navigation by foreign ships in British waters; and what sanctions are taken in British ports against foreign ships that are known to have disobeyed international conventions of navigation and seamanship in such waters.

Mr. Onslow

Foreign ships in British territorial waters are subject to the same statutory navigational requirements as British ships, and proceedings may be taken in British courts for failure to comply with them. Foreign ships in British ports are subject to inspection and may be detained if they do not meet international convention standards relating to such matters as construction, carriage of safety equipment and radio.