Mr. Anthony D. WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he supports the US proposal for establishing mandatory ship reporting systems to reduce ship strikes on endangered large whales; and if he will make a statement. [52826]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe United States proposals were discussed at the International Maritime Organisation's 44th session of its Safety of Navigation Sub-Committee (NAV 44) from 20–24 July, where they received the full backing of the United Kingdom Delegation. We believe that the proposed mandatory ship-reporting systems off the eastern coast of the United States will make a positive contribution to reducing the number of ship strikes on right whales. We will support the formal adoption of the systems at the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee in December.