§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he has received a copy of the report submitted to the Health and Safety Executive by the National Union of Seamen dealing with the qualifications and competence of those employed in shipping with responsibility for the safety of seafarers and the role of the relevant public authorities; and what is his response.
§ Mr. EyreThe report has been received and the National Union of Seamen has been told that in our view the best way forward is for my Department to implement the recommendations of the steering committee on the safety of merchant seamen at work. As the hon. Member will know, these recommendations were endorsed by that union and by the previous Administration. We are pressing ahead with the detailed implementation of the recommendations and in so doing particular emphasis is being placed upon the responsibility of the employer for all aspects of seafarers' safety. In this work we are keeping in close touch with the Health and Safety Executive.