§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken in accordance with United Kingdom obligations under Article 4, paragraph 4, MARPOL 73/78.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerArticle 4, paragraph 4 of MARPOL 73/78, which refers to penalties, applies only to the annexes of the convention that are in force. Annex 1, being the regulations for the prevention of pollution by oil is the only Annex currently in force internationally. The United Kingdom, in accordance with its obligations, made regulations during 1983 giving effect to Annex 1 of MARPOL 73/78. The penalties for failing to comply with the regulations include fines not exceeding £1,000 or £50,000 depending upon the nature of the offence.