§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what changes are proposed in health checks and procedures in the Port of London; what consultations have been made with the port health authority; and if he will defer any proposed changes pending further consultations.
§ Mr. MoyleThe changes are set out in the Public Health (Ships) (Amendment) Regulations (SI 1978/287) which were laid before Parliament on 10th March. They simplify procedures for port health clearance, and result from experiments at three ports, following which proposals were put to interested organisations, such as the Association of Sea and Air Port Health Authorities, the Environmental Health Officers Association and the General Council of British Shipping in December 1976. The draft regulations were similarly circulated in August 1977 and January 1978. The London Port Health Authority will be aware of all these consultations.
As the changes reduce the work required of port health authorities, have been generally welcomed by the interests consulted and do not seem to be causing any difficulty elsewhere, a general deferment would not seem to be desirable. However, I am arranging to receive a deputation from the City of London to discuss its problems.