EFFECTIVE PROCEDURE TO PREVENT EXPLOITATION OF SEAFARERS

Early day motion 1742, tabled 15 October 2002 by Alan Meale (Labour). Signed by 55 members.

That this House welcomes the Government's attempts to produce effective and positive maritime policies to reverse the dramatic decline of the United Kingdom merchant fleet and the loss of British maritime expertise; is concerned however that whilst the tonnage tax scheme has delivered increases in United Kingdom flagged tonnage, it is so far failing to meet the equally important aim of safeguarding British maritime jobs; is also concerned by recent reports which indicate that foreign seafarers working on United Kingdom registered ships have been paid as little as 70 pence per hour and have been forced to work under illegal contracts that threaten crew members with dismissal if they contact trades unions or regulatory authorities; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to provide effective procedures to prevent such exploitation and unacceptable working practices by red ensign flagged shipping companies.

Signatures by party: Labour 45, Liberal Democrat 5, Labour/Co-operative 2, UUP 2, Conservative 1.