§ Lord Brougham and Vauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will issue the consultation paper on the scope for increased private sector participation in the survey and certification work currently done by the Surveyor General's Organisation.
The Minister of State, Department of Transport (The Earl of Caithness)The consultation paper was issued today. It is being sent to organisations representing a wide range of shipping and related interests. We hope that they will consider very carefully the proposals it contains and let us know their views. In particular, we hope that bodies which are interested in taking on ship survey and certification work will come forward. Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the Library.