§ 79. Mr. James Johnsonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the progress he has made so far in examining the changes to be made in Sections 2 and 4 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, dealing with conditions of service of merchant seamen and fishermen, respectively.
§ Mr. MasonExtensive consultations between officials of the Board and Seafarers' and Shipowners' Organisations about revision of Part II of the Merchant Shipping 121W Act of 1894, relating to merchant seamen, have resulted in a considerable measure of agreement, but further work and discussion will be necessary before legislation can be introduced. Proposals for the amendment of Part IV, relating to fishermen, are in course of preparation, but these have not yet been discussed with the appropriate organisations in the fishing industry.