§ Mr. Rookerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many enforcement officers have been appointed under Section 5 of Dumping at Sea Act 1974.
§ Mr. Bishop:Fifty-three officers in the service of the licensing authorities have been appointed to exercise and perform the powers and duties of British enforcement officers under the Dumping at Sea Act.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the procedure for the protection of merchant seamen operating within the Dumping at Sea Act 1974; and if he is satisfied with this procedure.
§ Mr. Bishop:There is no provision in the Dumping at Sea Act for the protection of seamen engaged in dumping. Dangerous goods transported for dumping must be handled in accordance with the requirements of the Merchant Shipping Acts and in particular with the Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods) Rules 1965. Enforcement of these rules is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade.