§ Mr. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish(a) a consultation draft and (b) a final draft of the proposed safety code for fishing vessels under 12 metres in length. [132155]
§ Mr. HillI will consider shortly the current proposals and the views of the Fishing Industry Safety Group on a new safety regime for under 12 metres fishing vessels. Thereafter we will commence formal consultation in August on proposals to change the existing statutory588W safety regime, including a draft Code of Practice. Subject to the results of consultation we hope to publish the code by the end of the year.
§ Mr. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the need for new safety measures for under 12 metre fishing vessels. [132154]
§ Mr. HillEarlier this year, I reviewed the work undertaken by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the fishing industry to develop a new statutory safety regime for under 12 metre fishing vessels based on a code of safe practice. I also reviewed accident and search and rescue information for this sector. I will shortly consider current proposals, together with the views of the Fishing Industry Safety Group.