§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Trade if, in view of the recent recovery of dangerous flotsam and jetsam in the North Sea, he is satisfied with the arrangements for giving warning of such hazards and with the penalties for failure to do so; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisArrangements exist for the notification to my Department of losses from offshore structures with penalties for failure to do so and Her Majesty's Coastguard ensures that mariners are informed of hazards reported to them. The United Kingdom Government have no power, however, to impose penalties on seafarers who fail to report such hazards. I am considering, in consultation with other Departments and interests concerned, whether these arrangements need to be improved.
§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Trade if, in view of the hazards to shipping and fishing limits now present in the North Sea due to oil operations, he will initiate an insurance scheme for the compensation for fishermen against damage.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisI shall reply to the right hon. Member as soon as possible.