§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the timing of his announcement of changes to the officer nationality requirements for United Kingdom vessels in relation to the consultation period on these proposals; and what consideration he will give to submissions received since his announcement.
§ Mr. NorrisConsultation on the proposal to relax the officer nationality requirements for United Kingdom vessels will be completed by the end of May. Careful consideration will be given to the representations made. My right hon. Friend expects the new arrangements to be in place by the autumn of this year.