§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will appoint an independent inquiry, on the lines of the Devlin Committee, into the problem of safety in the fishing industry, giving it the widest terms of reference and with a committee representing all sections of the industry.
§ Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu:I refer to the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend yesterday, 6th February.—[Vol. 758, c. 101–2.]
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what rules and conditions he imposes to ensure the safety of fishing trawlers at sea with particular reference to their unladen and laden weight and their respective heights unladen and laden above the water line.
§ Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu:The 1967 Load Lilies Act Will put into effect the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, which specifically excludes fishing vessels. The Conference recommended that I.M.C.O. should pursue studies on the mimium freeboard for fishing vessels with a view to establishing recommended international standards for minimum freeboard of fishing vessels. These studies are taking place. Regulations concerning safety equipment and radio equipment in fishing vessels have been made under the Merchant Shipping Acts.