§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if, during the United Kingdom European presidency, he will seek changes in EC regulations to ensure that most302W United Kingdom and European merchant seamen serving on vessels under flags of convenience will not be discriminated against with regard to social security and health arrangements.
§ Mr. NorrisCurrent EC regulations cover only those seamen serving on vessels operating under a flag of a member state. However, all British seamen working overseas outside the Community are entitled to make voluntary national insurance contributions, thereby preserving their rights to some benefits.