§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance is given to the coastguard with regard to the notification of next of kin in the event of the loss of life on a British registered ship in United Kingdom waters; and if he will make a statement as to usual practices currently in operation.
§ Mr. McLoughlinCoastguard officers have instructions to pass all details of any known or potential fatalities occurring on British registered ships in United Kingdom waters to the local police authorities who are responsible for informing the next of kin.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to make it compulsory for owners of fishing vessels to insure their crew against loss of life or permanent disability whilst they are at sea.
§ Mr. McLoughlinIn common with all other employers, the owners of fishing vessels have a duty to exercise reasonable care to ensure the safety of their crews and, if fishermen should suffer injury or death as a result of the owner's negligence, they or their relatives can sue for compensation. However, while recognising the risks inherent in fishing, I could not justify a requirement that employers in this industry should be required to insure their crews against risks for which they cannot be held responsible when a similar obligation does not arise elsewhere.