§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will enumerate seriatim in the OFFICIAL REPORT those recommendations of the Holland-Martin Report which have so far been implemented, stating at what time they were implemented, in which Statute and/or statutory regulation or, if by industrial agreement, when the industrial agreement was made, and what further steps his Department is taking to implement those recommendations still outstanding, which recommendations are 331W subject to current discussions in the fishing industry and which it is the Government's intention not to implement at present.
§ Mr. OnslowOf the total of 83 recommendations in the Holland-Martin Report, all of which have been accepted in principle, 45 required legislative or other action by the Government and the remainder were for implementation by industrial agreement. Powers to regulate safety of construction and equipment were taken in the Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Act 1970 and to regulate working conditions in the Merchant Shipping Act 1970.
A framework of regulations to govern safety construction and equipment has been developed with the main sections of the industry but the related survey arrangements are still under consideration. The framing of rules on such matters as periods of rest at sea, particularly in relation to near and middle water vessels, is posing a number of problems. A support ship has been provided for the past three years. I regret that I do not have particulars of relevant industrial agreements in the form requested, but good progress has been made.
A special unit is being set up within the Department to speed up the implementation of outstanding recommendations, and I am writing to the hon. Member suggesting that he might wish to discuss detailed recommendations and progress on them with the head of the unit.