§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals for the mutual recognition of boatmasters' certificates have been proposed by the Commission in a directive; what is the purpose of these proposals; which rivers would require other forms of recognition under the proposals; if the United Kingdom has a practice of awarding boatmasters' certificates; what will be the impact on United Kingdom boats of the proposed directive; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe proposed directive concerns boats carrying goods on major continental waterways, other than the Rhine. It would require national boatmasters' certificates to be reciprocally recognised. There are no comparable United Kingdom waterways and thus no equivalent qualifications. The proposal does not affect United Kingdom shipping.