HC Deb 11 June 2002 vol 386 c1135W
Mr. Carmichael

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps are being taken by the Department to monitor the effects of the implementation of the EU working time directive in the maritime sector. [60165]

Mr. Jamieson

[holding answer 10 June 2002]: When the directive is implemented in the UK the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, as the competent authority, will be responsible for enforcing its provisions and monitoring its operation.

Mr. Carmichael

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress the Department is making in implementing the EU working time directive in the maritime sector. [60167]

Mr. Jamieson

[holding answer 10 June 2002]: Regulations are in preparation to implement the directive in the UK.

Mr. Carmichael

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the need in implementing the EU working time directive to include measures to limit the maximum number of hours worked in the maritime sector. [60166]

Mr. Jamieson

[holding answer 10 June 2002]: In implementing the working time directive in the maritime sector the UK, like several of its EU partners, has elected to apply the option within the directive of specifying the minimum hours of daily and weekly rest which must be provided to seafarers. The maximum number of hours which may be worked each day and each week can be calculated by reference to these minima.