§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those countries that propose a reduction in ships officer manning levels, including radio operators, in the next 12 months; and if he will list and tabulate the United Kingdom's manning levels as against those of other EEC countries.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Department has no information that other countries propose to reduce ships officer manning levels, including radio operators, in the next 12 months. The United Kingdom's manning levels are assessed on an individual ship basis in accordance with the principles of safe manning established by the International Maritime Organisation. The Department has not attempted to tabulate manning levels but a record of the safe manning certificates issued is maintained.