§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the new areas which he will propose to the May meeting of the International Maritime Organisation marine safety committee as recommendations for the status of areas to be avoided; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisNo decision has yet been taken to propose any new "areas to be avoided" to the IMO. The routeing of tankers, among other issues, is within the terms of reference of the inquiry to be conducted by Lord Donaldson. Pending the outcome of that inquiry, officials met with organisations representing oil companies, tanker operators and shipping interests on 4 February and agreed in principle voluntary measures in the form of a code to be promulgated by mid-March, which it is intended will include restrictions on tankers operating in sensitive areas. The code will be transmitted by the Government to the IMO for consideration and endorsement by the maritime safety committee in May with a view to publication internationally as an addition to the "Ship Routeing" document issued by the IMO.