§ Mr. Colvinasked the Minister for Trade whether he proposes to take any further measures, in addition to those already announced, to reduce the cost burdens imposed on the shipping industry by regulations.
§ Mr. SproatIn order to increase the competitiveness of the Merchant Navy, I have been considering the costs involved in proposed regulations relating to the occupational safety of seafarers. I have postponed the requirement in regard to aluminium ladders for access to and from ships until 1 April 1984. In addition, I am proposing
- (i) to replace the requirement to apply a slip-resistant surface to open deck areas used regularly for transit with a requirement to keep such areas so far as is practicable free from oil, ice or other substances which might cause slips;
- (ii) to reduce the required lighting levels in certain areas aboard ship to those recommended by the International Labour Organisation;
- (iii) to restrict to newly constructed ships the requirement to provide rest platforms in long vertical ladders and to dispense with protective hoops round such platforms; and
- (iv) not to apply the regulations to United Kingdom ships bare-boat chartered to foreign operators.
I am still considering points made in regard to arrangements for entry into dangerous enclosed spaces. I 293W am satisfied that these proposed changes would not significantly reduce the effective protection that would have been afforded to seafarers working aboard ship if the regulations had been made in their original form.