§ Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on the extension of the work permit regime to include seafarers serving on one-port voyages. [43595]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 20 March 2002]: In June 2000, the work permit arrangements in place for non-European economic areas seafarers engaged in domestic ferry services and dredging operations were extended to include those engaged on scheduled domestic freight services. This has been enforced with effect from 1 April 2001, following a period of flexibility to allow shipping companies to adjust their staffing patterns to take account of the revised arrangements.
Consideration of whether to extend the work permit arrangements to cover one-port voyages is continuing. A decision will be made in due course in the light of all the available information, including legal advice received and consultations with officials in the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.