§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Trade when Her Majesty's Government proposes to ratify the protocol adopted in 1978 by the Inter-Governmental Marine Consultative Organisation which would ensure that all crude oil tankers of 20,000 tons or over should be equipped with inert gas safety systems.
§ Mr. Clinton Davis:We envisage ratifying the protocol in 1978 relating to the international convention for the safety of life at sea of 1974 once we have the necessary powers, which we are seeking in the Merchant Shipping Bill currently before the House.