§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when details of the new Code of Practice governing passenger-carrying pleasure boats which come into force on 1 April were sent to(a) local authorities with enforcement responsibilities and (b) skippers of vessels affected by the Code of Practice. [116044]
§ Mr. Hill[holding answer 23 March 2000]: The Code of Practice was developed with the advice and participation or organisations representing local authorities and skippers of vessels affected.
During the formal consultation in May 1998 interested parties, including each UK coastal authority, received a copy of the draft Code.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is currently undertaking a series of roadshows throughout the UK to further inform local authorities and vessel operators about the Code.