§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the area marine safety sub-committees established by his Department and the former Department of Transport. [45777]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 17 June 1998]There are 8 District Marine Safety Committees: East Scotland, West Scotland, Northern Ireland, North East and East England, North West England, Wales, London, and South and South West England; and 26 sub-committees which include: Highland/Moray Firth, Orkney/Caithness, and Shetland. A brochure explaining the work of the District Marine Safety Committees and providing details of all sub-centres will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses shortly.
§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what issues have been referred by his Department to marine safety sub-committees since 1 May 1997. [45778]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 17 June 1998]No specific issues have been referred by the Department to the District Marine Safety Committees since 1 May 1997. The main role of the committees is to keep local marine safety and pollution prevention issues under434W review. Where an important issue of more than local significance is identified, this may be brought to the Department's attention.
§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which marine safety sub-committees were sent a copy of the Coastguard Agency's Five Year Strategy Plan consultation document; in each case when the document was sent out; and which sub-committees have responded to the consultation document. [45779]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 17 June 1998]The document for consultation was published on 20 January. District Marine Safety Committees were not directly sent copies of the document, however copies were sent to the then Marine Safety Agency (under whose aegis the District Marine Safety Committees operate) and those organisations or individuals who had registered an interest. Whilst no District Marine Safety Committees responded, some replies have been received from individual committee members.