§ Ms Julie MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he plans to take to put into effect the recommendations of the report entitled 'British Shipping: Charting a New Course' to safeguard the employment of British seafarers employed on contracts which are based in a foreign country. [146333]
§ Mr. HillThe Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) has statutory responsibility to keep the workings of the Race Relations Act 1976 under review. The Government publicly consulted on the CRE's recommendations for strengthening the Act following its Third Review in 1998. The CRE did not recommend any changes to the Act with regard to protection afforded to seafarers employed by British companies. The Government responded to the CRE's proposals, following public consultation, on 14 July 1999. A copy of the response was placed in the Library of the House.
The Government are alert to views that the exception for seafarers at section 9 of the Act should be repealed. `Charting a new course' sets out an integrated strategy for Britain's shipping industry. The Government are keeping in mind the views on Section 9 of the Act as part of their on-going programme of work.