§ 72. Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Trade what discussions he has had with the Governments of member countries of the EEC and other countries in Europe about the ratification of recent international maritime conventions; and if he will tabulate in the Official Report which conventions have been ratified by which European nation including the United Kingdom, so far.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThis issue has been discussed by my Department within the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation—IMCO—and within the EEC. In the light of the "Amoco Cadiz" and "Eleni V" disasters, particular impetus is being given to the bringing into force as quickly as possible of the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention and the 1978 protocol thereto, the 1978 protocol to the MARPCL convention on marine pollution, and the International Labour Organisation convention no. 147 which concerns minimum standards of safety and general welfare on merchant ships.
The United Kingdom has ratified 10 of the 28 conventions so far deposited with IMCO and has signed a further 14 subject to ratification or acceptance. I have placed in the Library a document listing all 28 conventions, their status, and those countries which at 31st December were party to them.