§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether 19W his Department intends to seek to present evidence to the Liberian inquiry into the "Pacific Glory"—"Allegro" collision on the subjects of manning; of the extent of possession of seamanship certificates of competency on board vessels of varying sizes; and of the standards required to qualify for such certificates.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe Liberian inquiry has ended and a report of the inquiry has, I understand, been submitted to the Government of Liberia. We have asked for a copy and we shall consider, in the light of the report and any other relevant matters, whether to raise with the Government of Liberia the question of the standard of competency of crews in their ships. Meanwhile the Inter governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation and the International Labour Organisation are acting jointly in providing Governments with detailed guidance on standards of competency and qualifications of navigating officers and crews, and Her Majesty's Government are playing a major part in this work.