§ 54. Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will intiate international discussions aimed at limiting the size of future bulk oil tankers.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe Inter-governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation, on which the United Kingdom is represented, has already initiated international discussions on the design, construction and equipment of large oil tankers.
§ Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is aware that some oil tankers are not fully equipped to deal with accidents in which they might be involved; and if he will introduce regulations to deal with this danger is view of the size of these vessels and the nature of their cargoes.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantExisting Rules require tankers to be constructed and provided with fire-extinguishing and other equipment to minimise and deal with hazards from accidents on board or from collisions or stranding. The United Kingdom is participating fully in international discussions about the need for additional requirements.