HC Deb 11 April 1973 vol 854 c293W
Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Government accept the International Labour Organisation Recommendation 109 concerning wages, hours of work on board ship and manning; and if he will instruct British shipping companies to observe the recommendations.

Mr. Onslow

Recommendation 109 was accepted subject to reservations in a White Paper published in 1959—Cmnd. 886. The Merchant Shipping Acts give powers for the regulation of safe manning and the limitation of hours of work related to occupational safety. They do not, however, include powers to prescribe wage rates.

Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what judicial procedure is available to seamen employed on British ships to recover the difference between what they are paid by British shipowners and the International Labour Organisation Recommendation 109 minimum rate of £48 per month in line with 3(b) of that recommendation.

Mr. Onslow

None.