§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they intend to ratify the International Labour Organisation Seafarers' Welfare Convention 163 (1987) and the International Labour Organisation Seafarers' Welfare Recommendation 173 (1987). [HL2573]
§ The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston):The Government have no plans to ratify ILO Convention No.163 because the Government 30WA cannot commit themselves to supplying welfare services for seafarers currently provided by non-government sources. The Government note that only 12 member states of the ILO, which has a membership of over 170 countries, have so far ratified. There is no procedure for ratifying an ILO recommendation. The United Kingdom is currently addressing this important question by active participation in a major ILO project to consolidate in modern form the various instruments on welfare and living conditions of seafarers within a new convention.