MARITIME SAFETY

Early day motion 437, tabled 28 February 2000 by Alan Meale (Labour). Signed by 60 members.

That this House notes that the Government has taken great strides towards laying the foundations of a regeneration of British shipping, particularly with the introduction of a tonnage tax regime with its direct link to the training and employment of United Kingdom seafarers, but remains concerned about the high numbers of flags of convenience and substandard ships in and around UK ports and waters; congratulates NUMAST on the publication of its new report 'How Many More', on international shipping regulations, which sets out a platform of proposals to address the fundamental issues that affect maritime safety; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to take notice of this document and thereafter to examine more rigorously the responsibilities and accountabilities of shipowners, charterers, cargo owners and their financiers who continue, despite much advice, to use substandard shipping.

Signatures by party: Labour 49, Liberal Democrat 5, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.