§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Minister for Trade if he is satisfied that his refusal to contribute to the work of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and his decision to withdraw his Department's representatives from it is consistent with the United Kingdom's obligations under recommendation 138 of the International Labour Organisation that adequate provision must be made for welfare facilities for seafarers.
§ Mr. SproatILO recommendations are, by their nature, intended to provide guidance and, unlike ILO conventions, do not impose formal legal obligations. I consider that adequate welfare facilities for seafarers in United Kingdom ports are being provided by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and the voluntary societies, whose activities are coordinated by the Board acting both centrally and through local port welfare committees.