§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce legislation to ensure that all UK vessels carry voyage data recorders. [114524]
§ Mr. HillThe International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is actively considering international regulations for the carriage of Voyage Data Recorders (VDR), which will next be discussed at the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in May 2000. At the European level, Council Directive 1999/35/EC, which was adopted on 29 April 1999, provides for the fitting of voyage data recorders to roll-on/roll-off ferries and high-speed passenger craft. Implementation is to be no later than 30 months after the publication of IEC standard No. 61996 or by 1 January 327W 2001, whichever of these dates comes later. UK legislation will apply the international requirements to UK vessels.