§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Trade when the Department's inquiry into marine safety organisation will be concluded; whether its conclusions will be published; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisMy Department keeps its marine safety organisation under review in order to keep pace with change. From time to time it conducts reviews into specific areas, of which the following are some examples. Regulations for the safety of fishing vessels have recently been promulgated. The search and rescue organisation has been reviewed and it is hoped to make an announcement shortly. Two working groups are considering the question of discipline at sea. Proposals for converting certain "M" Notices into legislation have298W recently been put to both sides of industry. Announcements on the outcome of such reviews are announced as and when appropriate.
§ Mr. Ridleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the annual cost to public funds of rescue operations at sea.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe total cost incurred by the Department of Trade in 1974–75 in connection with civil marine search and rescue operations was approximately £3¼ million. The provisions of Article 12 of the UN Convention on the High Seas 1958, which require the captain of any ship to render assistance in the saving of life at sea, are used as guidance by Her Majesty's ships. No separate record of these costs is maintained. Similarly it is not possible to identify the cost to Defence Votes of mounting air search and rescue (SAR) operations. SAR flights are provided to meet Service requirements but are deployed, when available, on behalf of the civil community.