HC Deb 13 February 1989 vol 147 c103W
Mr. McCrindle

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures are being taken to ensure port state control is vigorously enforced to eliminate sub-standard ships and crews from United Kingdom and European Economic Community ports; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Portillo

All European Community coastal states have signed the Paris memorandum of understanding on port state control, agreeing to inspect 25 per cent. of foreign merchant ships visiting their ports. The United Kingdom has inspected more than 25 per cent. in each of the past five years.