§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether seafarers convicted while at sea for merchant shipping offences, but upon whom no penalty is imposed, acquire a criminal record.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe powers have been repealed under which a ship's master could impose a financial penalty on a seafarer who committed a disciplinary offence. A person now charged with any offence under the Merchant Shipping Acts can be tried only in the courts. Any penalties then imposed would constitute a criminal record. A master now can impose only such penalties as are within the scope of whatever industrial agreement is relevant. Such penalties would not constitute a criminal record.