§ Mr. Bowen Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Trade what progress is being made towards an international convention for the compensation of victims resulting from an incident arising from the carriage of hazardous and noxious substances by sea; and whether any firm date is projected for the signing of a convention.
§ Mr. EyreDiscussions on an international convention on liability and compensation in connection with the carriage of hazardous and noxious substances by sea are continuing in the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO). The United Kingdom is playing a full part. The council of IMCO will decide in mid-1982 whether sufficient progress has been made to enable a diplomatic conference to be convened in 1983, and whether to make appropriate budgetary provision.
§ Mr. Bowen Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Trade what account he is taking of the views of the chemicals industry that the convention on compensating victims of an incident resulting from carriage of hazardous and noxious substances by sea in the form at present under discussion could result in a relaxation of vigilance in safety matters, thereby putting at risk the present good safety record of international carriage of chemicals by sea; and if he will ensure that Her Majesty's Government will consider modifying their attitude in order to meet the chemicals industry's objection.
§ Mr. EyreThe chemicals industry and other interested parties have been fully consulted on the draft articles for a convention on liability and compensation in connection with the carriage of hazardous and noxious substances by sea. I know of no good reason why the likely provision for compensation for the victims of a catastrophic incident, with additional shipper liability on top of continuing shipowner liability, would in practice result in a relaxation of vigilance in safety matters.