§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what response he has made to the European Commission on its proposal for setting up a committee on safe seas contained in the communication from commissioners on a common policy on safe seas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisThe United Kingdom has warmly welcomed the Commission's communication "A Common Policy for Safe Seas", which closely mirrors the Government's views on the need for action to improve the level of maritime safety in Community waters. Along with other member states, we approve in principle the Commission's proposal for a Committee on Safe Seas, and are currently considering what its terms of reference should be.