HC Deb 07 March 1979 vol 963 cc684-5W
Mr. Dodsworth

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what consultations he has had with other countries concerning wage rates and conditions of service for seafarers; and what is his attitude to the International Transport-workers' Federation monitoring and ensuring that national rates and conditions are adhered to.

Mr. Clinton Davis

I have had no such consultations; nor have I had occasion to adopt any special attitude towards ITF in its monitoring of national rates and conditions.

Mr. Dodsworth

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what are the current EEC attitudes towards wage rates and conditions of service of seafarers: and if he is putting pressure on other member States to influence shipowners, the International Transport-workers' Federation and its affiliates.

Mr. Clinton Davis

Apart from consultations on the implementation of the report of the Working Group on the Employment of Non-Domiciled Seafarers which was published in February 1978, the EEC has not so far discussed wage rates and conditions of service of seafarers. However, France has recently tabled draft proposals broadly in this area and these will be discussed in due course with other member States in the Community. In the circumstances the situation envisaged in the latter part of the question has not arisen.