§ 44. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give an assurance that the proposed new regulations for the marine services of his Department will enable the manufacture of lifejackets and other equipment to be profitable in order to maintain employment and export orders; and whether he will consult with manufacturers on their problems before the regulations are presented for parliamentary endorsement.
§ Mr. NobleThe concession to manufacturers of lifejackets and lifeboats announced on 8th June by my hon. Friend the Minister for Industry was intended to minimise any threat to their profitability resulting from increases in marine survey fees. As the fees in question are contractual and not statutory, the changes will not be the subject of regulations requiring parliamentary endorsement.