§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the health and safety regulations which apply in the case of the salvage ships lifting moorings left in the Holy Loch after the departure of United States personnel and equipment from the base; what steps are being taken to ensure that they are complied with; when they were last reviewed; whether a further review of such health and safety regulations is imminent; and if he will make a statement.
264W
§ Mr. ForthI understand that the removal of redundant moorings in the Holy Loch base is being undertaken by vessels operated by the Royal Marine Auxiliary Service—RMAS. Such vessels are not required to register under merchant shipping legislation. However the Health arid Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974—HSW Act—applies to any vessel carrying out work of this nature. In enforcing the HSW Act, the Health and Safety Executive, through its crown, fire, and police national interest group, has held discussions with representatives of the directorate of marine services of the Ministry of Defence about the safety policy and organisation of RMAS and has regard to the standards generally required under merchant shipping legislation.