§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to introduce the medical treatment on board vessels directive, EC 92/29/EC 31/3/93; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisThis is an operational matter for the Marine Safety Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from R. M. Bradley to Ms Joan Walley, dated 5 December 1994:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question on the introduction of EC Directive 92/29/EC31/3/92 on the minimum safety and health requirements for improved medical treatment on board vessels.The Terms of this Directive require Member States to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 31 December 1994. The choice of form and method of implementation is however left to each Member State. The chosen UK methods of implementation and promulgation are by Regulation and Merchant Shipping Notice.A consultation document containing the Marine Safety Agency's proposals for implementation of this Directive was circulated for comment on 15 August 1994. As a result of this consultation exercise amendments have been made to the original lists of required medical supplies. Work is continuing on the drafting of both revised Regulations and an accompanying Merchant Shipping Notice.