HC Deb 13 July 1972 vol 840 cc446-7W
Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to exempt seamen from prosecution for desertion or breach of contract if they refuse to sail aboard a vessel bound for a war zone either from a British port or a foreign port of call.

Mr. Noble

We have already undertaken to review the penal Sections of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1970, which modify the penal Sections of the 1894 Act, and I do not wish to prejudge the outcome of this review.

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