§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the manning and certificate of navigation competency required by the Board of Trade for the abandoned British vessel "Festivity"; and whether the abandoning crew met those requirements.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThere are at present no specific requirements as to manning and certification of personnel for this ship while operating within home trade limits. However there is a general requirement that ships should not proceed to sea in an unseaworthy state by reason of under-manning. The adequacy of the crew on this occasion will be examined when the full facts are obtained.
§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what were the certificate of navigation competency, years of sea experience and jobs held by the abandoning crew of the British vessel "Festivity".
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe crew comprised a master, mate and deck boy, none of whom held a certificate of competency in navigation. We shall be looking into the experience of the crew in the course of our enquiries but meanwhile I understand that they have served at sea for eight years, four years and five weeks respectively.
§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will prosecute the owner of the abandoned British vessel "Festivity" for a breach of Section 458 of the Merchant Shipping Act.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantI am making inquiries to establish the facts before deciding what further action should be taken.