§ Ms PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what regulations govern the practice of placing passengers' luggage in corridors outside cabins on cruise ships; and if he will make a statement. [105186]
§ Mr. HillIn the case of a UK flag ship, there are general provisions in the Merchant, Shipping and Fishing (Health and Safety at Work) Regulations 1997 (SI 1997 No. 2962) about providing and maintaining a safe environment for persons aboard ship. There are also relevant provisions in the Merchant Shipping (Safe 449W Movement on Board Ship) Regulations 1988 (SI 1988 No. 1641); for example regulation 4 provides that "the employer and master shall ensure that safe means of access is provided and maintained to any place on the ship to which a person may be expected to go". Such provisions are enforceable on UK ships wherever they may be and could cover matters such as a safety hazard caused by luggage in corridors. In the case of a non-UK ship, the requirements will depend on the provisions in the regulations of the state where the ship is registered. As the UK requirements implement provisions contained in the International Labour Organisation Convention 147, they may also be enforced on a non-UK ship while in a UK port.