§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the provision and safety of the dockside facilities in fishing ports in order that fishermen and seamen can be provided with the maximum safety when boarding and leaving their vessels.
§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that seamen and fishermen 813W boarding and leaving their ships are subject to the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work, &c. Act, although the means of access are not normally subject to the requirements of special regulations such as those applying to dock work. I understand that since the Health and Safety at Work &c. Act came into force. Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate has paid particular attention to the provision and maintenance of safe access to and from all ships, including fishing vessels, whenever inspections have been carried out.
Over the years there has been considerable concern over this matter and in 1970 a code of safe working practices for the safety of merchant seamen was drawn up by a committee including representatives from employer and worker organisations. This code has been reviewed recently and I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade that a revised code, together with the report from the committee which prepared the text, is due to be published shortly. Both the revised code and the report are expected to give particular emphasis to the continuing need for safe access and will include specific recommendations which will be carfully considered by the Health and Safety Commission.
Similar action is being taken to secure the maximum safety for fishermen and the report of another committee together with a code of practice is being prepared for publication. Any recommendations made in that report will also be considered with care by the Health and Safety Commission.