§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many seafarers died in accidents on board ships including casualties to vessels in each of the three years since 1978; and what were the incident rates per 100,000 persons at risk.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe number of merchant seamen who died as a result of a casualty, or of an accident on board à ship, including those who were recorded as being "missing at sea", is given in the following tables:
1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 Casualties 8 19 45 13 34 Accidents 63 28 22 25 10 Missing at sea 13 8 12 6 5 Totals 84 55 79 44 49 Accident rate Per 100,000 at risk 97 68 104 60 75 These figures are taken from the Department's annual publication "Casualties to Vessels and Accidents to Men".
§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Transport in what ways the aims and functions of his Department covering the occupational health and safety of seafarers are 335W different from those imposed upon the Health and Safety Commission and the 1974 Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellMy Department aims to promote a high standard of occupational health and safety on board ships. To this end its functions include making and enforcing regulations, issuing guidance and information through notices and other publications, initiating research projects, collecting and analysing data and accidents on board ships and investigating accidents on ships.
These aims and functions are similar to those of the Health and Safety Commission in respect of shore-based industries and are intended to ensure that seafarers have comparable standards for safety as shore-based workers. My Department co-operates fully with the commission when preparing legislation on occupational health and safety.