§ Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek powers to ensure that in regard to the manning of foreign-going and home trade ships regulations should not hinder shipowners from taking full advantage of present and prospective technological developments in manning new ships, should make adequate provision for frequent revision in consultation with the industry to meet changing circumstances, and should permit unannounced inspection checks on a random basis with heavy penalties for infringement.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantNo. Powers have already been taken in the Merchant Shipping Act, 1970, to make regulations controlling the manning of ships. Shipowners and other organisations concerned will be consulted fully before these regulations are made.