§ Viscount Cranborneasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is satisfied that enough is being done to recover the lost drums containing dangerous chemicals that fell off the general cargo vessel Forum Hope during 24 and 25 October, many of which have been washed up on British shores, and to ensure that cargoes are properly secured in British and European waterways.
§ Mr. David MitchellIt was not until 19 November that it was possible to establish that the loss of some dangerous cargo from the Forum Hope, whilst entering the Bay of Biscay in severe weather conditions, could positively be linked to dangerous goods arriving on the south coast. By this time many containers had already washed up although not all have yet been identified as Forum Hope cargo. In situations such as this it is not normal practice to attempt to find and recover lost packages at sea. Local authorities have been given advice on the identity of the contents and the source of the packages both to assist them in their responsibility for disposal and to enable them to attempt to recover their costs from the shipowners should they so wish.
The proper securing of cargoes on board ship is the responsibility of the master. In the United Kingdom this duty is covered by the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) 182W (Deck Cargo) Regulations 1968 which are enforced by my surveyors during spot-check inspections. However, the majority of ships in British and European waterways are of foreign flag and have loaded their cargoes in other than British ports. A review of cargo securing methods and equipment is presently under discussion at the International Maritime Organisation. It is expected that internationally agreed improved guidelines will be published in the coming year.