[{"topic":"Shipping","id":"44228","proposer":"10133","edm":"96","session":"2012-13","title":"Trident Replacement","text":"That this House notes the findings of the National Security Strategy that a nuclear weapon threat from another state is oflow likelihood; further notes a procurement costof 25 billion and an estimated lifetime cost of over 100 billion for the replacement of the Trident nuclear weapon system; believes that there are greater spending priorities both at the Ministry of Defence and acrossother departments; and urges the Government to cancel plans to replace Trident.","date":"2012-05-21","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"44141","proposer":"10521","edm":"9","session":"2012-13","title":"Israel's Illegal Action In International Waters","text":"That this House condemns the Israeli navy for boarding two ships in international waters in April, the vessels Beethoven and Victoria; is astonished that this serious breach of international law went largely unreported and questions what the attitude would have been had it been any country other than Israel which carried out such an illegal act; is dismayed at the response of the UK Government to this breach of international law by saying that Israel's `legitimate security concerns' were good enough reasons for them to do so; and calls on the UK Government not to supportIsrael in its continuing acts of breaches of international law and UN resolutions in respect of illegal action in international waters and in the illegal occupation of the West Bank and the annexation of East Jerusalem.","date":"2012-05-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"44046","proposer":"10199","edm":"2939","session":"2010-12","title":"Marine Pollution (S.i., 2012, No. 742)","text":"That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Merchant Shipping (Ship-to-Ship Transfers) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I., 2012, No. 742), dated 5 March 2012, a copy of which was laid before this House on 9 March 2012, be annulled.","date":"2012-03-27","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"43635","proposer":"10120","edm":"2540","session":"2010-12","title":"Bradley Manning","text":"That this House notes the upcoming pre-trial hearing of Private First Class Bradley Manning on 16 December 2011; expresses its hope for a free and fair trial process; further notes the high level of interest and concern regarding the case in the UK and in particular in Wales; is concerned at the impact of his pre-trial treatment at the US Quantico Marine Base, including solitary confinement anddenial of sleep and exercise; regrets the US administration's decision to deny the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture unimpeded access to Manning; urges the US administration to reverse this decision immediately; calls on the US administration to release all internal assessments on the impact of the WikiLeaks disclosures requested by his legal defence team; further regrets statements by US President Obama assuming Manning's guilt prior to any trial; and further calls on the Government to raise related concerns about the case with the US administration.","date":"2011-12-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"43588","proposer":"10282","edm":"2493","session":"2010-12","title":"British Passport-Only Lanes At Ports","text":"That this House recognises the frustration and anger of many British citizens in having to wait in long queues at entry ports on re-entering the country; applauds the Home Secretary's desire to lessen waiting times; and calls on the Government to reintroduce British passport-only lanes at ports of entry to the UK.","date":"2011-11-29","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"43419","proposer":"24754","edm":"2331","session":"2010-12","title":"Paddle Steamer Waverley","text":"That this House notes the good work done by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in safeguarding the only paddle steamer left in the world, Paddle Steamer Waverly; further notes the engineering and sea-going heritage that the paddle steamer represents and its being a symbol of an historic age; recognises its importance to the British tourist industry, as something which travels across much of the British coastline and raises the great British community spirit; further recognises the high costs of maintenance which, alongside increasing fuel costs, threaten the survival of this national asset; further notes that a motion insimilarterms has been tabled in the Scottish Parliament; and calls on the Government to take action securing support in Westminster, so that the only remaining paddle steamer, a treasured part of the UK's heritage, is not lost forever.","date":"2011-10-31","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"43306","proposer":"10128","edm":"2227","session":"2010-12","title":"Campaign To Save The Paddle Steamer Waverley","text":"That this House pays tribute to the Waverley Steam Navigation Company, a registered charity, for its work in maintaining and operating Paddle Steamer Waverley, the world's last sea-going paddle steamer, a core part of the National Register of Historic Vessels and one of Britain's best loved tourist attractions which has carried over five million passengers from over 70 ports around the UK since being saved for the nation in 1975; is concerned that rising costs, particularly of fuel, now threaten the future of the Waverley; welcomes the Waverley Appeal to raise 350,000; and calls on the Government to consider ways in which it can support this unique national maritime heritage and tourism asset.","date":"2011-10-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"43294","proposer":"11185","edm":"2214","session":"2010-12","title":"Campaign To Save The Waverley Paddle Steamer","text":"That this House regrets that summer season2011 might see the last sailing of the paddle steamer Waverley; notes that the Waverley is the only such British vessel that has been preserved and still continues with its original function; recognises that it is the last ocean-going paddle steamer in the world; understands that an increase in the price of oil means that fuel now costs the Waverley 5,000 each day; welcomes the Waverley Appeal, launched by the Waverley Steam Navigation Co Ltd to keep the ship sailing; congratulates the campaigners on raising more than 140,000 towards their 350,000 target; encourages everyone to get behind the campaign; understands that, in July 2011 alone, the steamer had 32,500 passengers; further recognises the economic contribution that the Waverley and her passengers make to the many towns at which she berths on her regular excursions around the Firth of Clyde from the Glasgow Science Centre quay, as well as on her visits to many other ports around the British coast and her cruises under Tower Bridge; and hopes that the Waverley will still be sailing to celebrate the 200th anniversary of steam navigation on the Clyde next year.","date":"2011-10-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"43069","proposer":"10170","edm":"2000","session":"2010-12","title":"Sea Sunday 2011 And Seafarers' Welfare","text":"That this House, in recalling Britain's proud maritime heritage, notes our continued reliance on seafarers with over 95 per cent. of the UK's imports and exports travelling by sea; acknowledges the inherent problems afflicting many thousands of merchant seafarers, including low pay, poor morale, mental and physical illness and separation from family for lengthy periods of time; further notes that these problems are compounded by exploitative employers sailing under flags of convenience and the growing threat of piracy with approximately 600 seafarers currently held captive by Somali pirates; congratulates the national Catholic charity, the Apostleship of the Sea, on its work in meeting the welfare and pastoral needs of seafarers, regardless of their faith, and being an effective advocate for seafarers' welfare; hopes that this vital work will receive renewed support from the presentations, prayers and collections associated with Sea Sunday on 10 July 2011; and urges the Government to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 without further delay and ensure that the rights enshrined therein are given real force.","date":"2011-06-27","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"43050","proposer":"10685","edm":"1981","session":"2010-12","title":"International Seafarers' Day","text":"That this House notes that 25 June 2011 is the first InternationalSeafarers' Day; pays tribute to the world's 1.5 million seafarers for the unique and often overlooked contribution they make to the well-being of all; and commends the London-based International Maritime Organisation on its historically important role of setting and maintaining high standards in internationalshipping.","date":"2011-06-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"43005","proposer":"10292","edm":"1936","session":"2010-12","title":"South China Sea Disputes","text":"That this House notes with concern the escalation of the South China Sea disputes; recognises that there are numerous territorial claims; welcomes the Chinese foreign ministry's statement that it will not use force to settle the disputes; further welcomes calls by theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nationscountries to resolve the disputes through peaceful means drawing on the United Nations Charter and international laws, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea; calls for concerned parties to refrain from further complicating the situation in the region; and further calls for bilateral and multi-lateral approaches to resolving the South China Sea disputes peacefully and to restore stability to the region.","date":"2011-06-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"42992","proposer":"10133","edm":"1924","session":"2010-12","title":"Trident Review","text":"That this House welcomes the Government's decision to carry out a review into alternatives to the Trident replacement; regrets that neither the review nor the Strategic Defence and Security Review considered all options including non-replacement and a non-nuclear defence policy; and believes such a review should be carried out before the Trident replacement Main Gate decision in 2016.","date":"2011-06-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"42736","proposer":"24730","edm":"1681","session":"2010-12","title":"Marine Pollution (S.i., 2011, No. 974)","text":"That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that theMerchant Shipping (Ship-to-Ship Transfers) (Amendment) Regulations 2011(S.I., 2011, No. 974), dated 28 March 2011, a copy of which was laid before this House on 30 March, be annulled.","date":"2011-03-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"42670","proposer":"10128","edm":"1621","session":"2010-12","title":"Crc Energy Efficiency Scheme And Ports","text":"That this House is concerned that the Government's simplification proposals for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme impacts unfairly on ports, particularly in relation to landlord and tenant responsibilities; believes that the scheme is being used as a tax on ports rather than acting as a carbon abatement device; notes that landlord provisions relating to Northern Ireland civil service buildings are being amended; and calls on the Government to consider fullythe concerns of Britain's port companies, including landlord-tenant relationships and responsibilities, in the forthcoming simplification review of the scheme to ensure that it encourages reduction in energy use rather than imposing a tax on ports.","date":"2011-03-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"42673","proposer":"10120","edm":"1624","session":"2010-12","title":"Treatment Of Bradley Manning","text":"That this House expresses great concern at the treatment of Private First Class Bradley Manning, currently detained at the US Quantico Marine Base; notes the increasing level of interest and concern in the case in the UK and in particular in Wales; appeals to the US administration to ensure that his detention conditions are humane; and calls on the UK Government to raise the case with the US administration.","date":"2011-03-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"42395","proposer":"11672","edm":"1369","session":"2010-12","title":"Commemoration Of Hms Ark Royal's Affiliation With Leeds","text":"That this House welcomes the decision to commemorate HMS Ark Royal's unique and long standing affiliation with Leeds by granting Freedom of the City to her crew on 12 February 2011, and holding a parade through the streets of the city to mark the raising of over 9 million in 1941 towards the cost of building another Ark Royal following the sinking of its predecessor; believes that these strong historical links make this tribute especially fitting; and further hopes that any future Ark Royal will once again have a similar affiliation with the city of Leeds.","date":"2011-01-31","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"42334","proposer":"10383","edm":"1315","session":"2010-12","title":"Future Of The Royal Fleet Auxiliary","text":"That this House is concerned at the substantial cuts proposed for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) fleet; notes that the RFA is Britain's essential supply service to the Royal Navy and recognises that the service also demonstrates unrivalled technical expertise through training, the deployment of ships in peacekeeping and humanitarian tasks around the world, in addition to its work in combating piracy and drug smuggling; acknowledges that the RFA also plays a very significant rolein underpinning UK maritime skills; further notes that in addition to the planned loss of ships under the Strategic Defence and Security Review, a value for money exercise is also being undertaken that could mean a further 10 per cent. cut in ships and crew numbers; and therefore urges the Government to protect the Royal Fleet Auxiliary from these proposed cuts which threaten to undermine this lifeline service to the Royal Navy.","date":"2011-01-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"42277","proposer":"13864","edm":"1262","session":"2010-12","title":"Air Sea Rescue Service","text":"That this House recognises the intrinsic value of the Air and Sea Rescue Service; expresses grave concern at the proposals to privatise the service under the Private Finance Initiative in a bid to save money; and urges the Ministry of Defence to rethink this decision with immediate effect.","date":"2011-01-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"42252","proposer":"24966","edm":"1239","session":"2010-12","title":"Re-Opening Of The Northern Reaches Canal System","text":"That this House notes that the Northern Reaches is an historic waterway begun in 1792 linking Preston, Lancaster, Kendal and the Lune Estuary via a branch to Glasson Dock; further notes that since the Second World War the waterway has declined and parts have been filled in; applauds the work of the Lancaster Canal Restoration Partnership in working towards reopening the Northern Reaches; and calls on the whole community to support this important project, rebuilding a unique part of the UK's industrial heritage.","date":"2011-01-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"42231","proposer":"24767","edm":"1218","session":"2010-12","title":"Working Group On Seafarers' Access To The Minimum Wage","text":"That this House welcomes the Government's enactment of the previous government's decision to establish a working party to consider, and potentially agree, the legal position on the issue of applying the national minimum wage to non-UK flagged ships trading between UK ports; notes that seafarers are only entitled to the protection of the national minimum wage in UK internal and not territorial waters; further notes the continued employment of foreign national seafarers on rates of pay below the national minimum wage on ships in UK territorial waters; and therefore urges the Government to ensure that all seafarers working on ships trading between United Kingdom ports and in the UK offshore sector are entitled to the national minimum wage.","date":"2010-12-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"42032","proposer":"24935","edm":"1043","session":"2010-12","title":"Liverpool Cruise Liner Facility","text":"That this House recognises Liverpool's rich maritime heritage as the birthplace of the first passenger cruise line; notes the significance of the River Mersey as the lifeblood of Liverpool, the sub-region and the gateway to the North West; welcomes calls by the Leader of Liverpool City Council requesting Ministers to review the case for full turnaround status for its cruise liner facility adjacent to the World Famous Liver Buildings; further notes the growing body of support for such proposals from both the public and private sectors; and calls on the Government to enter into talks with relevant bodies to expedite an early solution to this important matter.","date":"2010-11-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"41804","proposer":"10282","edm":"837","session":"2010-12","title":"Thames Boatmasters","text":"That this House recognises the valuable work of skilled and experienced Thames boatmasters in ensuring safe travel on the Thames; acknowledges the crucial support they provide the economy, particularly the tourism industry, and transport in London; is concerned that this service to the capital and the livelihoods of boatmasters could be threatened by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's proposal to hold compulsory re-tests of experienced boatmasters for operation of vessels between Margaretness and Putney; notes that no such testing or revalidation appears to be required in other inland waterways of the UK and is not a legal requirement; regards the proposal for re-tests as an overzealous interpretation of the law which risks penalising unfairly experienced boatmasters who do not have experience of formal, classroom-based examinations; supports both the highest possible safety standards and an experienced workforce on the Thames; and calls on the Government and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to engage constructively with the Thames boatmasters to reach a solution which preserves the existing skills and experience of boatmasters.","date":"2010-10-14","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"41549","proposer":"10222","edm":"592","session":"2010-12","title":"UK Marine And Coastal Access Act 2009","text":"That this House welcomes the coalition Government's commitment to implement the provisions of the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009; calls on the Government to ensure that sufficient resources are dedicated to the development, implementation, evaluation and enforcement of this key piece of legislation; acknowledges the work of Wildlife and Countryside Link, a coalition of environmental organisations including the Marine Conservation Society, the RSPB, the Wildlife Trusts and WWF-UK for their ongoing campaign for the effective implementation of the Act; seeks an ambitious approach by the Government and devolved administrations to deliver positive improvement in the marine environment in order to meet obligations under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive to achieve Good Environmental Status in all UK waters by 2020; further welcomes the opportunities being given to stakeholders to contribute to the selection of marine conservation zones; believes that the new marine planning system should be robust, strategic and founded on an ecosystem-based approach; and calls on the Government to meet its international obligations by ensuring that an ecologically coherent and well-managed and enforced network of marine protected areas, including highly protected sites, is established by 2012.","date":"2010-07-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"41254","proposer":"10383","edm":"319","session":"2010-12","title":"Seafarers And The Race Relations Act 1976","text":"That this House welcomes the Government's publication of the independent external review of evidence submitted to the consultation on regulations to end discriminatory pay on UK ships; further welcomes the recommendation of the review that the practice of nationality-based pay differentials for seafarers be outlawed altogether on UK ships; believes that no UK industry should be permitted to ignore legislation on non-discrimination and notes that this discrimination has resulted in rates of pay below the national minimum wage on UK ships; and therefore urges the Government to endorse the findings of the independent external review and to bring forward regulations to end this discrimination as soon as possible.","date":"2010-06-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"41256","proposer":"10170","edm":"321","session":"2010-12","title":"Sea Sunday 11 July 2010","text":"That this House recalls Britain's proud maritime heritage and notes that 90 per cent. of world trade travels by sea, 95 per cent. of United Kingdom imports and exports travel by sea and 146,000 merchant ships arrive in British ports annually, contributing to the nearly \u00a340 billion annual turnover of the British maritime sector; acknowledges that the inherent problems for many thousands of merchant seafarers of dangerous conditions, low pay, poor morale, sickness and separation from family are sometimes exacerbated by exploitative employers sailing under flags of convenience; congratulates the national charity, the Apostleship of the Sea, on the anniversary of its creation some 90 years ago and on its work for the welfare and rights of all seafarers who visit British shores through 13 port chaplains and over 120 volunteers in 57 ports and berthing facilities across Great Britain; extends its best wishes for the organisation's future; hopes that the Apostleship of the Sea and its ecumenical partners, the Mission for Seafarers and the Sailors' Society, which provide generously for the welfare of seafarers, benefit from the greater awareness of their mission stimulated by Sea Sunday on 11 July 2010; and urges all businesses which transport goods by sea to be responsible corporate citizens during this International Maritime Organisation Year of the Seafarer and to encourage their shipping providers to adopt minimum levels of care for their seafaring employees as advised by the Maritime Labour Convention 2006.","date":"2010-06-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"41242","proposer":"11038","edm":"308","session":"2010-12","title":"Marine Pollution (S.i., 2010, No. 1228) (No. 2)","text":"That this House welcomes the Merchant Shipping (Ship-to-Ship Transfers) Regulations 2010 which were laid before it on 9 April 2010, in the previous Parliament; considers the new requirement for harbour authorities regulating cargo transfers to be licensed by the Secretary of State to be appropriate and proportionate without interfering in day-to-day harbour operations; and welcomes the safeguards given in schedules 1 and 2 to European wildlife sites and to the wider environment.","date":"2010-06-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"41113","proposer":"24948","edm":"190","session":"2010-12","title":"Marine Pollution (S.i., 2010, No. 1228)","text":"That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Merchant Shipping (Ship-to-Ship Transfers) Regulations 2010 (S.I., 2010, No. 1228), dated 8 April 2010, a copy of which was laid before this House on 9 April 2010, in the previous Parliament, be annulled.","date":"2010-06-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"41043","proposer":"10076","edm":"127","session":"2010-12","title":"Israel And Gaza Flotilla","text":"That this House is appalled by the loss of life associated with Israel's attack on the flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza; notes that UK and other nationals have been held by Israel despite the attack having taken place in international waters; endorses the call of the United Nations Secretary General for a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to international standards; recognises that Israel's blockade which has destroyed the economy of Gaza and deepened poverty still inflicts widespread suffering and, by imposing collective punishment on the people of Gaza, is itself contrary to international law; and calls on the international community to require Israel to end its blockade and to redouble international efforts to secure a lasting settlement with a secure and independent state of Palestine alongside a secure and independent Israel.","date":"2010-06-02","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"40846","proposer":"10129","edm":"1193","session":"2009-10","title":"Kellington Sea Cadet Training Ship","text":"That this House notes that in 1993 the Stockton-on-Tees Sea Cadet Unit accepted a five-year loan agreement with the Ministry of Defence for the use of the former HMS Kellington as a headquarters, that in 1998 the Ministry sought to reclaim the vessel at the end of the five-year loan period but failed as the Tees Barrage had been built downstream, that consequently the Ministry proposed the transfer of ownership to the Sea Cadet Unit on the payment of \u00a32,000 and this became effective in 1999, that the Sea Cadet Unit did not exercise due diligence and the Ministry, which knew of the hazardous containments and radioactive materials, chose to offload its liability onto a youth organisation working to foster interest in the Navy, that the introduction of health and safety legislation rendered the vessel unfit for purpose, that the vessel was repeatedly vandalised and became a serious environmental hazard and a danger to passers-by, that the vessel was dismantled and removed by the efforts of Stockton Borough Council, Able UK, Sea Cadets and the Marine Society at a total cost exceeding \u00a3350,000, and that the Ministry knew full well the difficulties and potential shelf-life from centuries of vessel disposal but failed in its duty of care and legal obligation to exercise due diligence; and asserts that the Ministry, having been so negligent in its sale to a unit it knew to be woefully unequal to the task, should redeem itself by agreeing to enter into negotiations to defray the heavy cost heaped so unfairly on a struggling community.","date":"2010-03-29","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"40775","proposer":"10436","edm":"1133","session":"2009-10","title":"Port Rates And The Valuation Office Agency","text":"That this House is concerned that the Valuation Office Agency, having failed to fulfil its responsibility to separately assess and list port companies in 2005 because it got 600 wrong and missed another 700 altogether, is now imposing the consequences of its own incompetence on the companies by massive demands for retrospective rates; considers that no government agency should have the draconian powers to impose huge retrospective charges out of the blue and acknowledges that the consequences will be job and investment losses, insolvencies and major costs on Britain's ports; calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to cancel these retrospective demands before local authorities are required to begin recovery proceedings; recognises that the companies have already been paying business rates through the cumulo rented system and should not be charged double taxation; and further calls on the Government to accept that any other course of action is unjust, unfair, deeply damaging and ruinous for the affected ports.","date":"2010-03-18","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"40708","proposer":"10065","edm":"1073","session":"2009-10","title":"Boatmaster's Licence Review","text":"That this House salutes the high level of skill and competence of River Thames Watermen holding boatmasters' licences plying their trade on one of Europe's most congested waterways; acknowledges that the river is unique in Europe as the conduit for a lethal cocktail of a large tonnage of goods and many frail pleasure craft; welcomes the opportunity through the current review to act upon concerns raised through the Transport Select Committee's investigation and from experiences of boatmasters nationally; is concerned that current proposals have not enjoyed the full consideration of stakeholders and would further reduce safety standards on the UK's inland waterways as experience requirements are proposed to be reduced by as much as 80 per cent.; requests that the Government fulfil assurances given in 2006 that there would be no watering down of safety standards; and calls on the Government to confirm the highest of standards for qualifying to command vessels on the tidal River Thames.","date":"2010-03-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"40653","proposer":"10084","edm":"1027","session":"2009-10","title":"Port Of London Authority And Boat Home Owners","text":"That this House expresses concern at the inconsistent charging structure applied by the Port of London Authority (PLA) for river works licences for boat home owners; expresses concern that boat home owners believe that the PLA targets the weakest and most vulnerable to use as examples in disputes with marinas who have greater, collective, resources and are able to go to arbitration; condemns the fact that excessive charge increases, sometimes as much as 300 per cent., put pensioners and families on low and subsidised incomes at risk of losing their homes; expresses concern that the PLA is abusing its monopoly powers; further condemns the PLA for introducing confidentiality clauses in agreements and lacking transparency around decision-making; and urges the PLA to take immediate steps to introduce a fairer charging policy aligned to the Retail Price Index.","date":"2010-03-05","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"40590","proposer":"11324","edm":"970","session":"2009-10","title":"Officers Of The Irishman Tug At Port Stanley In 1984","text":"That this House recognises the bravery of Second Officer Peter Jones, Second Officer Keith Tasker and Captain Richard Exley, who in 1984 risked their lives to prevent a floating arsenal that had broken loose from its moorings in Port Stanley from crashing into a British troop ship, Rangatira, also moored in Port Stanley; notes that the floating arsenal was a barge carrying mines, unexploded artillery shells, grenades, mortars and various other munitions; further notes that the adverse weather conditions made this a particularly dangerous mission; further notes that both Second Officers had to jump from the tug on to the arsenal to secure it, with no thought for their personal safety; commends Captain Exley for his expert seamanship which enabled the manoeuvre to take place; acknowledges that the bravery shown by the crew of the Irishman prevented the potential loss of life of over 1,800 British troops; expresses concern that their bravery has never been officially acknowleged; further notes that the Merchant Navy Association has recognised the bravery of these three men and supports calls for them to be awarded a national honour; further notes that the fact that the event occurred over 25 years ago does not justify withholding such an honour; and calls on the Government to recommend that all three men be recognised in the next national honours to acknowledge the bravery they showed in extreme conditions.","date":"2010-03-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"40385","proposer":"10439","edm":"786","session":"2009-10","title":"Royal National Lifeboat Institution And Sos Day 2010","text":"That this House commends the life-saving work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crews in coastal communities around the UK; recognises that this work would not be possible without the selfless generosity of 40,000 volunteers who offer their time freely; notes that 2009 was one of the busiest years on record for RNLI crews; and wishes the RNLI and their supporters every success in their fundraising efforts, including SOS Day 2010.","date":"2010-02-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"40240","proposer":"10351","edm":"655","session":"2009-10","title":"Inland Waterways Association Waterway Recovery Group","text":"That this House congratulates the Inland Waterways Association Waterway Recovery Group for achieving 40 years working to restore Britain's canals and rivers; notes that every year more than 20 week-long canal camps are held where volunteers work to restore waterways which have included the Kennet and Avon canal and saving the Peak Forest; further notes that the Waterway Recovery Group brings expertise and equipment which would not otherwise be available to canal societies and others; further notes that many volunteers learn new skills that can transfer into future employment; further notes that the Waterway Recovery Group is celebrating its anniversary with a programme of working holidays planned across the country from Wales to Essex and Derbyshire to Devon; and wishes all the volunteers and those associated with the Waterway Recovery Group a further successful 40 years and many more restorations in the future.","date":"2010-01-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"39854","proposer":"10491","edm":"294","session":"2009-10","title":"Seafarers' Pay And The Foreign And Commonwealth Office","text":"That this House notes that for a number of years discussions have been taking place in both Houses with the Government and the Trades Union Congress to seek to resolve the horrendous situation whereby ferry company owners and others, whose vessels regularly trade on fixed routes between UK ports, are allowed to pay poverty wages substantially below the minimum wage to non-UK seafarers, including rates as little as \u00a32.00 per hour; welcomes the fact that a number of hon. Members have supported amendments to the Equality Bill which would close this loophole; is therefore dismayed that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is blocking these amendments by claiming that applying the minimum wage on ferries that trade solely between UK ports could mean the UK is in breach of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; further notes that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has adopted this position despite the independent legal advice to the contrary provided to the RMT union and also the advice of the International Transport Workers Federation; is appalled that in the 21st century the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is effectively allowing the continuation of poverty wages to continue in UK waters; and calls on the Foreign Secretary immediately to publish the legal advice on which the Department's blocking action is based and allow the advice to be subject to urgent independent scrutiny.","date":"2009-11-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"39795","proposer":"10491","edm":"252","session":"2009-10","title":"Pay Practices In The UK Maritime Sector","text":"That this House is appalled that in the 21st century, ships, including ferry services, which regularly trade on fixed routes between UK ports and between the UK and Europe, are allowed to pay poverty wages substantially below the minimum wage to non-UK seafarers including rates as little as \u00a31.50 per hour; is dismayed that this super-exploitation is legal as a result of a loophole in race relations legislation which allows non-UK seafarers to be paid rates below agreed UK levels and also due to the exemption of seafarers from the national minimum wage; urges the Government to bring forward amendments to the Equality Bill to outlaw this discrimination and to reform race relations legislation as it applies to seafarers; and calls on the Government to bring forward immediately legislation to ensure that non-UK seafarers are protected by the provisions of the national minimum wage.","date":"2009-11-25","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"39717","proposer":"10777","edm":"171","session":"2009-10","title":"Merchant Shipping (S.i., 2009, No. 1371)","text":"That the Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I., 2009, No. 1371), dated 8 June 2009, a copy of which was laid before this House on 10 June, in the previous Session of Parliament, be revoked.","date":"2009-11-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"39513","proposer":"11185","edm":"2251","session":"2008-09","title":"Name Of New Ferry For Islay","text":"That this House, whilst welcoming the decision by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) to hold a ballot on the name of the new ferry which is currently being built to serve Islay, notes the wishes of many islanders that, in line with the longstanding Caledonian MacBrayne tradition of naming a ferry after the island it was built to service, the ferry should be named the `Isle of Islay' in English and `Eilean Ile' in Gaelic; and calls on CMAL to add this option to its ballot.","date":"2009-11-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"39486","proposer":"10785","edm":"2225","session":"2008-09","title":"Maritime And Coastguard Agency Pay","text":"That this House notes the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) annual accounts for 2008-09 which show senior management and board members within the MCA received on average a 15 per cent. pay increase whilst those on the frontline received an average one per cent. increase; further notes with surprise the 7.6 per cent. increase in the Chief Executive's salary from 127,000 in 2007-08 to 137,400 in 2008-09, in contrast to salaries for a coastguard watch assistant which start from 13,260; further notes with concern the continuing poor industrial relations within the MCA and the significant disparities between pay for MCA workers and others doing comparable jobs in other emergency services; further notes that in 2008 over 700 MCA workers took part in their first ever one-day strike over pay and that as a result half of the UK's rescue coordination centres closed because of strike action; acknowledges the recent decision by the Public and Commercial Services Union to ballot its MCA members for potential future stike action; and calls on the Secretary of State for Transport to intervene in this long running dispute and offer reasonable pay for those who protect and serve the UK's shores and seas.","date":"2009-11-04","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"39296","proposer":"10777","edm":"2055","session":"2008-09","title":"Merchant Shipping (S.i., 2009, No. 1371)","text":"That the Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I., 2009, No. 1371), dated 8 June 2009, a copy of which was laid before this House on 10 June, be revoked.","date":"2009-10-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"39215","proposer":"11672","edm":"1985","session":"2008-09","title":"Blockades On Continental Ports","text":"That this House recognises the vital role played by the haulage industry in the UK's economy; is concerned that the economic downturn has placed extreme pressure on the haulage industry; is worried at the repeated blockades of European ports used by the UK haulage industry; notes that blockades have a highly detrimental effect on the UK's economy; is anxious that established EU regulations are not being fully enforced; and calls on the Government to press fellow EU member states such as France to prevent blockades on continental ports by quickly resolving industrial disputes.","date":"2009-10-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"39059","proposer":"10324","edm":"1798A1","session":"2008-09","title":"Pontcysyllte Aqueduct And Canal","text":"after `Llangollen' insert `notes this aquaduct has been part of Clwyd South's heritage for 209 years;'","date":"2009-07-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"39060","proposer":"10324","edm":"1798A2","session":"2008-09","title":"Pontcysyllte Aqueduct And Canal","text":"after `Waterways', insert `Llangollen and Chirk Town Councils, the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales,'","date":"2009-07-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"39061","proposer":"10324","edm":"1798A3","session":"2008-09","title":"Pontcysyllte Aqueduct And Canal","text":"at end add `and boost tourism across all of North Wales.'","date":"2009-07-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"38998","proposer":"10351","edm":"1798","session":"2008-09","title":"Pontcysyllte Aqueduct And Canal","text":"That this House celebrates the decision by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation to declare Pontcysyllte Aqueduct a World Heritage Site; notes that the full listing for the canal includes the whole 11 miles of canal from Chirk Bank to Horseshoe Falls on the River Dee in Llangollen; applauds the work undertaken by Wrexham Council, British Waterways and other organisations in supporting the bid for World Heritage Site status; commends the fact that joint credit has been given to Thomas Telford and William Jessop for this great civil engineering achievement; and hopes that World Heritage status will promote increased economic prosperity for local communities.","date":"2009-07-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"38980","proposer":"10491","edm":"1780","session":"2008-09","title":"Pay Practices In The UK Maritime Sector","text":"That this House is appalled that in the 21st century ships, including ferry services, which regularly trade on fixed routes between UK ports and between the UK and Europe, are allowed to pay poverty wages substantially below the minimum wage to non-UK seafarers including rates as little as \u00c2\u00a31.50 per hour; is dismayed that this super-exploitation is legal as a result of a loophole in the Race Relations Act which allows non-UK seafarers to be paid rates below agreed UK levels and also due to the exemption of seafarers from the National Minimum Wage; urges the Government to bring forward amendments to the Equality Bill to outlaw this discrimination and to reform the Race Relations Act as it applies to seafarers; and calls on the Government to bring forward immediately legislation to ensure that non-UK seafarers are protected by the provisions of the national minimum wage.","date":"2009-06-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"38955","proposer":"10436","edm":"1756","session":"2008-09","title":"Financial Privilege And Business Rate Supplements Bill","text":"That this House deprecates the Government's decision to invoke financial privilege to prevent the House of Lords returning its sensible amendments to the Business Rate Supplements Bill which would have prevented retrospective punishment of port businesses for the incompetence and failures of the Valuation Office Agency; views this pathetic and petty decision not as an invocation of the spirit of Lloyd George to protect the powers of the Commons but as a cowardly attempt to conceal the disastrous consequences of the massive retrospective rate bills the Government is imposing on the ports and its failure to manage the Valuation Office Agency and to prevent it punishing ports; and very much regrets that in doing so the Government and this House lose the opportunity to right a serious wrong and protect Britain's ports from the insolvencies, job losses and diversion of trade and investments which will result.","date":"2009-06-26","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"38925","proposer":"10436","edm":"1727","session":"2008-09","title":"Retrospective Business Rates Charges On Port Operators","text":"That this House, in light of the injustice currently being done to port operators by demanding huge retrospective payments for new business rate assessment on top of the business rates they have already paid through the cumulo rent system, believes that, if the House of Lords reiterates its amendments stopping retrospective demands where they arise through faults on the part of the Valuation Agency, the Government should use the opportunity to listen to the ports, look seriously at the problem, and drop retrospective demands which are going to make many port operators insolvent and lose jobs and investment in ports; urges the Government to restore the basic and fair principle of business rating which is that new assessments which are not the fault of the ratepayer are not made retrospectively; and accordingly further urges the Government to act urgently to save the situation before local authorities are forced to initiate recovery proceedings, company accountants are compelled to indicate a potential insolvency in the accounts of port operators and ports are plunged into a disaster which is easily avoidable if only the Government will listen.","date":"2009-06-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"38933","proposer":"10777","edm":"1731","session":"2008-09","title":"Merchant Shipping (S.i., 2009, No. 1371)","text":"That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009, No. 1371), dated 8 June 2009, a copy of which was laid before this House on 10 June, be annulled.","date":"2009-06-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"38851","proposer":"10170","edm":"1666","session":"2008-09","title":"Sea Sunday And The Welfare Of Seafarers","text":"That this House, in recalling Britain's proud maritime heritage, notes that today 90 per cent. of world trade travels by sea, 95 per cent. of the United Kingdom's imports and exports travel by sea and 146,000 merchant ships arrive in British ports every year contributing to the nearly \u00c2\u00a340 billion annual turnover of the British maritime sector; acknowledges that the inherent problems for many thousands of merchant seafarers of dangerous conditions, low pay, poor morale, sickness and separation from family are sometimes exacerbated by exploitative employers sailing under flags of convenience; congratulates the national charity, the Apostleship of the Sea, on its work for the welfare and rights of all seafarers who visit British shores through a network of 13 port chaplains and over 120 volunteers in 57 ports and berthing facilities across Great Britain; extends its best wishes for the organisation's future development; hopes that the Apostleship of the Sea and its ecumenical partners, the Mission to Seafarers and the Sailors' Society, which provide so generously for the welfare of seafarers, benefit from the greater awareness of their mission stimulated by the presentations, prayers and collections associated with Sea Sunday on 12 July 2009; and urges all businesses which import and export goods by sea to be responsible corporate citizens and encourage their shipping providers to adopt an acceptable minimum level of care for their seafaring employees as advised by the Maritime Labour Convention 2006.","date":"2009-06-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"38453","proposer":"10436","edm":"1306","session":"2008-09","title":"Radio Spectrum For Ports And Airports","text":"That this House, concerned that the radio spectrum used by United Kingdom ports and airports is essential for the safety of aircraft and shipping and mandated under international agreement, rejects the proposal from Ofcom that administered incentive pricing should be applied to the spectrum used by ports and airports, on the grounds that this would be a tax on safety which would have to be passed on to customers in higher charges and would therefore damage the competitiveness of British ports and airports; and proposes that the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform veto any proposal to apply charges to the spectrum used by ports and airports.","date":"2009-04-21","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"38252","proposer":"10057","edm":"1123A1","session":"2008-09","title":"John Rae And The North-West Passage","text":"leave out `regrets' and insert `understands'.","date":"2009-03-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"38235","proposer":"10785","edm":"1123","session":"2008-09","title":"John Rae And The North-West Passage","text":"That this House records its admiration for all those in the 19th century who contributed to the exploration of the North-West Passage in Canada; congratulates Billy Connolly on his recent programme, Journey to the Edge of the World, retracing their steps; further congratulates Mr Connolly on his conclusion that it was not in fact Sir John Franklin but John Rae who was the first to discover the final link to the passage while searching for the lost Franklin crew in 1848; regrets that memorials to Sir John Franklin outside the Admiralty headquarters and inside Westminster Abbey still inaccurately describe Franklin as the first to discover the passage; and calls on the Ministry of Defence and the Abbey authorities to take the necessary steps to clarify the true position.","date":"2009-03-18","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"37487","proposer":"10389","edm":"463","session":"2008-09","title":"London International Boat Show","text":"That this House congratulates the British Marine Federation on its investment in the 55th London International Boat Show that will take place on 9 to 18 January 2009 at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre; recognises that the Boat Show is a major sales platform for the UK leisure marine industry, which continues to be a successful sector, one of the few which is continuing to make a major contribution to the UK economy in times of economic hardship; and notes that the UK leisure and small commercial marine industry employs approximately 35,000 full-time equivalent employees, provides custom for 4,300 UK businesses and has a total industry revenue of \u00c2\u00a33.1 billion.","date":"2009-01-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"36767","proposer":"10032","edm":"2380","session":"2007-08","title":"Pay For Seafarers In The UK Maritime Sector","text":"That this House is appalled that in the 21st century ships, including ferry services, which regularly trade on fixed routes between UK ports and between the UK and Europe are allowed to pay poverty wages substantially below the minimum wage to non-UK seafarers including as little as \u00c2\u00a3295 basic monthly pay; notes with the utmost concern that examples of routes on which seafarers are being paid less than the national minimum wage include Aberdeen to the Shetland Isles, Birkenhead to Belfast and Dublin, Heysham to Belfast and Dublin, Liverpool to Dublin and between Portsmouth and Bilbao; further notes that the owners of these ships include Marlow Navigation, Varun Shipping, Levantia Transport, Seatruck Ferries, Norse Merchant, P & O Ferries and Jay Management Corporation; calls on these companies to pay the minimum wage; urges the Government to bring forward amendments to the Employment Bill as appropriate to ensure the minimum wage applies to seafarers working on ships operating between UK ports and in the UK Offshore sector; further urges the Government to work with European partners to eliminate poverty pay for seafarers working between the UK and European ports.","date":"2008-10-29","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"36547","proposer":"12004","edm":"2197","session":"2007-08","title":"SEAFARERS' EARNINGS DEDUCTION","text":"That this House notes with concern the decision of HM Revenue and Customs to reclassify certain seagoing vessels supporting the North Sea oil and gas industry as offshore installations; further notes that this will result in the seafarers on board becoming ineligible to claim the Seafarers' Earnings Deduction (SED); believes that seafarers who are not directly involved in exploiting mineral resources by means of a well should continue to be eligible to claim the SED; further notes with concern the financial hardship which any retrospective tax liability would place on the families of those affected by any such change; recognises the role that the SED has played in fostering a strong domestic maritime skills base; and calls on the Government to clarify its position on the SED as it affects the oil and gas industry as a matter of urgency.","date":"2008-10-08","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"36370","proposer":"12004","edm":"2029","session":"2007-08","title":"SCOTLAND'S LIGHTHOUSES","text":"That this House applauds the efforts of the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, in attempting to visit all Scotland's 209 lighthouses spread over Scotland's 10,000 kilometres of coastline and 790 islands; and further applauds the work of the Northern Lighthouse Board, their ships and employees who work so hard to keep these magnificent feats of civil engineering in working order to maintain vital safety around Scotland's coasts.","date":"2008-07-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"36275","proposer":"13712","edm":"1952","session":"2007-08","title":"Aircraft Carriers","text":"That this House welcomes the news that the main manufacturing contracts for the two super aircraft carriers have at last been signed; notes that the final commissioning of these massive 65,000 tonne ships will be conducted at Rosyth Dockyard in Fife; believes that this is recognition of the excellent skills of the workforce at Babcock; calls on the Scottish and UK Governments to maximise the opportunity this presents for local businesses and local people through skills development, subcontracting and other means; and further calls on the two Governments to ensure the effects of this construction project are felt long after the two carriers sail down under the Forth Bridge.","date":"2008-07-03","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"36237","proposer":"10170","edm":"1915","session":"2007-08","title":"Sea Sunday And The Welfare Of Seafarers","text":"That this House in recalling Britain's proud maritime heritage notes that today 90 per cent. of world trade travels by sea, 95 per cent. of the United Kingdom's imports and exports travel by sea, and 146,000 merchant ships arrive in British ports every year contributing to the nearly \u00c2\u00a340 billion annual turnover of the British maritime sector; acknowledges that the inherent problems for many thousands of merchant seafarers of dangerous conditions, low pay, poor morale, sickness, and separation from family are sometimes exacerbated by exploitative employers sailing under flags of convenience; congratulates the national charity, the Apostleship of the Sea, on its work for the welfare and rights of all seafarers who visit British shores through a network of 26 port chaplains and over 120 volunteers in 57 ports and berthing facilities across Great Britain; extends its best wishes for the organisation's future development; hopes that the Apostleship of the Sea and its ecumenical partners, the Mission to Seafarers and the Sailors' Society, which provide so generously for the welfare of seafarers, benefit from the greater awareness of their mission stimulated by the presentations, prayers and collections associated with Sea Sunday on 13th July; and urges all businesses which import and export goods by sea to be responsible, corporate citizens and encourage their shipping providers to adopt an acceptable minimum level of care for their seafaring employees as advised by the Maritime Labour Convention 2006.","date":"2008-06-30","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"36229","proposer":"10157","edm":"1908","session":"2007-08","title":"Effect On Scottish Naval Shipbuilding Yards Of Scottish Independence","text":"That this House notes that at the launch of the Scottish Affairs Committee report on Employment and Skills for the Defence Industry in Scotland the hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan al Iar stated that Scotland would base its defence posture upon that of Norway, Iceland or Ireland; further notes that Iceland has no defence forces at all, Ireland has no warships of any size and that Norway has six submarines built in Germany and is acquiring five frigates built in Spain; recognises that this pattern of naval forces provides no reassurance whatsoever that an independent Scotland will be able to provide sufficient orders to maintain the Scottish naval shipbuilding yards that exist at the moment; and thus endorses the view that `No United Kingdom, no Clyde Shipyards' and `No Union, no yards' are an accurate summation of the position.","date":"2008-06-26","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"35972","proposer":"11489","edm":"1688","session":"2007-08","title":"Royal National Lifeboat Institution","text":"That this House congratulates Mr Dai Jenkins of Aberystwyth for being awarded a RNLI Gold Badge in recognition of his 50 years' service to the operation of lifeboats in Ceredigion; acknowledges that more than 137,000 lives have been saved due to the outstanding work carried out by the RNLI since its founding in 1824 as the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck; applauds the thousands of volunteers that enable the RNLI to continue in this valuable work; and wishes the charity well for the future.","date":"2008-06-03","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"35928","proposer":"10351","edm":"1646","session":"2007-08","title":"LOCK-KEEPERS' RESIDENCES (No. 2)","text":"That this House notes the plans by the Environment Agency to sell 10 of their Thames lock-keepers' cottages on the open market; further notes that a further 12 are to be let to third parties and that many long-standing lock-keepers and their families fear they will be removed from their homes; further notes that previous sales of lock-keepers' cottages have in the past caused problems on other navigations where new owners with little or no interest in the use of the navigation have used the law of public nuisance to restrict the activities of the waterway in the immediate vicinity of the property to the ultimate detriment of other waterway users; believes the sale of the freehold releases only short-term benefits and that a longer-term view should be taken where property divestment is proposed; is concerned that the use of peripatetic lock-keepers will cause delays in cases of emergency or during flooding and will lead to a decrease in public safety; and calls on the Environment Agency to think again.","date":"2008-06-02","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"35864","proposer":"10587","edm":"1587","session":"2007-08","title":"LOCK-KEEPERS' RESIDENCES","text":"That this House is concerned about the Environment Agency's proposal to dispose by sale or letting of 22 lock-keepers' homes along the Thames; recognises the importance of lock-keepers being resident in homes adjacent to locks to maintain safety on the river; fears for the welfare of the lock-keepers and their families; and calls on the Government to ask the Environment Agency to re-examine its decision so as to protect this unique part of the nation's river heritage and the tradition of lock-keepers living at the site of locks.","date":"2008-05-15","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"35662","proposer":"10351","edm":"1412","session":"2007-08","title":"Inland Waterways Association Parliamentarian Of The Year","text":"That this House congratulates the hon. Member for Staffordshire Moorlands for her award of Inland Waterways Association Parliamentarian of the Year; notes that she has been at the forefront of campaigns to protect and enhance our waterways, has supported freight moving from land to water, and has led horse drawn barges in the rain as well as helping to secure a better than expected Comprehensive Spending Review settlement; and wishes her well in securing funding for the Leek Canal.","date":"2008-04-23","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"35668","proposer":"10526","edm":"1331A1","session":"2007-08","title":"River Access For Non-Powered Craft","text":"leave out from `Government' to end and add `to continue its policy that any increase in access to canoeists and non-powered craft being voluntary access agreements only, which have been proven to work in both England and Wales; believes that the users of all canoes and non-powered craft on inland waterways should be subject to the same restrictions as anglers, and the same penalties for infringements; further believes that the Environment Agency should have the power to close any waterway to any craft in the interests of protecting sensitive aquatic environments; and considers that, not withstanding the forthcoming Olympic Games, it should be remembered that angling is a sport which has four million participants in England and Wales with an annual economy of \u00c2\u00a33.5 billion and which has had great success in the recent World Championships'.","date":"2008-04-23","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"35572","proposer":"10248","edm":"1331","session":"2007-08","title":"River Access For Non-Powered Craft","text":"That this House urges the Government to extend legislation on access to the countryside in England and Wales to allow canoeists and users of non-powered craft similar access rights to water as walkers have to the land; notes that in Scotland such access, accompanied by a code of rights and responsibilities for all concerned, has been successfully implemented; and believes that increased access to waterways would lead to greater participation in canoeing, resulting both in obvious health benefits to the nation and in increased chances of future Olympic success.","date":"2008-04-03","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"35410","proposer":"10785","edm":"1188","session":"2007-08","title":"Maritime And Coastguard Agency Strike Action","text":"That this House expresses deep concern about the continuing poor industrial relations in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA); notes that starting salaries within the MCA are as little as \u00c2\u00a312,000, creating significant disparities between pay for MCA workers and others doing comparable jobs in other emergency services; congratulates and thanks MCA workers for the important work they do around the UK coast including the protection and saving of life at sea; supports the MCA workers' calls for fairer pay; further notes that on 5th March 2008 approximately 700 MCA workers took part in their first ever one day strike over pay and that, as a result, half of the UK's rescue co-ordination centres closed; condemns the apparent indifference of the Secretary of State for Transport who has made no statement to the House on this subject and has not even released a press statement on it, despite numerous calls to do so from many hon. Members; and calls upon the Secretary of State to intervene without further delay to broker a deal in this dispute and then to set up an independent inquiry into the management of the MCA to ensure that industrial relations in the Agency should never again be allowed to deteriorate in this way.","date":"2008-03-13","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"35402","proposer":"12004","edm":"1181","session":"2007-08","title":"Royal Mail Rnli Lifeboat Stamps","text":"That this House congratulates the Royal Mail on the launch of six commemorative stamps featuring the rescue work of RNLI lifeboats and Coastguard helicopters and particularly praises the inclusion of the Barra Island Lifeboat on the first class stamp; notes poignantly that the launch of the stamps, coincidentally is the day after the funeral of a former Barra lifeboat coxswain, Iain (John ) Allan MacNeil, who on 18th November 1979 was coxswain of the Barnet Class Lifeboat which capsized at 3:46 am but which righted successfully due to an RNLI inflatable balloon modification which followed earlier lifeboat losses; further notes that two hours earlier on the same night the Islay lifeboat also capsized and righted itself in what were described as `diabolical' 30ft to 60 ft seas; and applauds the Royal Mail for making such a public tribute to the work of the RNLI volunteers who manifestly can face extreme dangers in their calling.","date":"2008-03-12","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"35298","proposer":"11318","edm":"1090","session":"2007-08","title":"Fishery Protection","text":"That this House congratulates the international team of fishery protection officers that caught the Belgian beam trawler Zilvermeeuw using blinders attached to both trawl nets; notes the brave actions of a British Fishery Officer from HMS Tyne with Dutch and French colleagues, who had to jump from their rubber rigid inflatable boat onto the back of the Zilvermeeuw, which ignored boarding requests and tried to speed up and escape when approached; further notes the successful prosecution of the Zilvermeeuw's owner, Zeearend BVBA of Knokke Heist, Belgium, and skipper who were ordered to pay a total of \u00c2\u00a324,350 in fines; further congratulates the crew of HMS Severn and fishery officers for catching the French stern trawler Cap Frehel fishing more than five nautical miles within a closed cod box; further notes that the master and owner of the Cap Frehel were ordered to pay fines and costs totalling \u00c2\u00a317,110 by Milford Haven magistrates; further notes that the area in the Celtic Sea is closed between 1st February and 31st March to protect spawning cod; recognises the important contribution fisheries enforcement and protection makes to sustainable marine and fisheries management; expresses concern that under the new contract between the Marine and Fisheries Agency and the Royal Navy, beginning in April 2008, the number of Royal Navy Fishery Protection Squadron patrol days could be as low as 600 per year compared to 1,175 in 2007, representing a cut of almost 50 per cent.; and calls upon the Government to ensure that the reduction in the number of patrol days does not compromise the protection of UK seas and enforcement of fisheries rules.","date":"2008-03-03","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"35204","proposer":"10491","edm":"1006","session":"2007-08","title":"Employment Bill And Seafarers","text":"That this House welcomes the introduction of the Employment Bill which seeks to clarify and strengthen the enforcement framework for the national minimum wage; further welcomes the fact that the minimum wage applies to non-UK workers provided that they are employed in a UK workplace; is extremely concerned that non-domiciled seafarers working in UK territorial waters or on UK-registered ships are excluded from this protection; is alarmed that this has contributed to poverty wages and widespread exploitation of non-domiciled seafarers on UK ships and in UK territorial waters; therefore urges the Government to amend the Employment Bill to ensure that all seafarers employed in UK territorial waters and on UK ships receive the protection of the national minimum wage; notes that such changes to the minimum wage for seafarers were first recommended by the Low Pay Commission in 2000 and would also be consistent with other protective measures already in place for all seafarers such as the Hours of Work Regulations, the Disability Discrimination Act and the Corporate Manslaughter Act.","date":"2008-02-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"35102","proposer":"10785","edm":"921","session":"2007-08","title":"Numbers Of Skilled Seafarers","text":"That this House notes that the shipping industry supports some 239,000 jobs and contributes around \u00c2\u00a311 billion a year to the UK's gross domestic product; is concerned by the current shortage of skilled seafarers faced by the international shipping industry; recognises that this skills shortage is likely to degenerate into a skills crisis in coming years if not rectified; notes with concern that some ship owners are being forced to ask officers to undertake longer tours of duty as a result of the skills shortage; is concerned that evidence from marine insurers suggests that the scale of the seafarer shortage has increased safety risks; observes the action being taken by countries including the Philippines, the Netherlands and the United States to boost maritime training levels; believes that measures to increase the supply of skilled seafarers in the UK would not only rebuild the UK maritime skills base but also provide an opportunity for the UK to become a key source of skilled seafarers for the international shipping industry; and calls on the UK Government to implement measures to improve training support for seafarers.","date":"2008-02-18","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"35077","proposer":"10383","edm":"901","session":"2007-08","title":"Assaults On Transport Workers","text":"That this House applauds the vital work of Britain's transport workers who, as essential public servants, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect; believes there is a clear responsibility on the Government together with employers in the rail, ferry and bus industries to take all the necessary steps to prevent staff assaults and provide care for those who are assaulted; further believes that reducing staff assaults will help reduce anti-social behaviour and provide a safer environment for transport users; therefore supports the aims of the campaign of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union which seeks firstly to raise awareness with employers and the public, secondly to secure the strongest possible legal protection for transport workers against assault, thirdly to establish effective cross company forums in each of the rail, bus and ferry industries and finally to persuade transport employers to adopt best practice when developing policies to prevent staff assaults and provide care for those who are victims of assault.","date":"2008-02-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"35030","proposer":"11148","edm":"854","session":"2007-08","title":"Riverdance Sea Rescue","text":"That this House applauds the skill, dedication and bravery of the UK's emergency and rescue services in performing their duties on land and at sea; draws particular attention to all those involved in the rescue of the crew and passengers on board the stricken ferry Riverdance in horrendous weather conditions in the Irish Sea; and highlights the heroic efforts of the RAF Valley aircrew, Rich Taylor, Lee Turner, Giles Ratcliffe and John Stevens, the Royal Navy, and British and Irish coastguards in the operation.","date":"2008-02-04","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"35011","proposer":"10518","edm":"843","session":"2007-08","title":"Rhyl Rnli","text":"That this House pays tribute to all those people who volunteer for the RNLI, in particular those at Rhyl Lifeboat Station, which last year was once again the busiest in Wales for the fourth year running; and acknowledges the dedication and skills of these volunteers who often operate in extremely difficult conditions.","date":"2008-01-31","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"34748","proposer":"10288","edm":"597","session":"2007-08","title":"ECJ Ruling On Viking Line","text":"That this House expresses its concern about the European Court of Justice (ECJ) judgment made on 11th December against the Finnish seafarers' right to take action on the grounds of employers' freedom of establishment; notes specifically that this ruling would allow Viking Line to ignore collective agreements made with Finnish unions, re-flag its vessels to Estonia and recruit local crews on lower rates of pay; notes that at the same time the ECJ recognised that the right to take industrial action is a `fundamental right of overriding public importance'; is further concerned that this contradictory judgment has profound longer term implications as courts and legislators may in future take the judgment as a licence to undermine industrial action and decide the legality of industrial action under EC law; considers that this judgment provides further evidence that the European Union is increasingly promoting a neo-liberal economic agenda which will further restrict and weaken trade union and worker rights; believes that this process will be strengthened with further integration of the European Union under the Lisbon Treaty; and therefore calls for a referendum on the Treaty as a matter of urgency.","date":"2007-12-17","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"34265","proposer":"10018","edm":"169","session":"2007-08","title":"Greater Use Of Waterways For Freight","text":"That this House congratulates Tesco's for switching from lorry to water the transport of its new world wine over the 32 miles from Liverpool to its bottling plant in Irlam saving 50 lorry trips a week and cutting carbon emissions by 80 per cent.; notes Sainsbury's has recently conducted similar trials in London; believes the Department for Transport should create a dedicated unit to encourage greater use of our inland and coastal waterways as recommended by the recent Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report on British Waterways recommending fiscal incentives to stimulate greater waterways use; and believes much can be learnt from other countries in Europe on using British waterways to reduce noise, pollution and traffic congestion.","date":"2007-11-08","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"34097","proposer":"10521","edm":"7","session":"2007-08","title":"Recognition For Those Who Served On Rms St Helena In The Falklands War","text":"That this House pays tribute to residents from the British Overseas Territory of St Helena and others who volunteered to support the United Kingdom in recovering the Falklands following the invasion by Argentina in 1982; recognises with deep gratitude that the RMS St Helena, the only vessel which provides a lifeline for the remote island of St Helena in the South Atlantic, was deployed to assist the UK armed forces; regrets that, purely because of operational considerations, the RMS St Helena was placed outside the exclusion zone during part of the conflict, and a decision was taken not to honour those serving on board with the South Atlantic Medal presented to others who were engaged in the Falklands War; and calls upon the Government to make amends for this slight against those who served on the RMS St Helena, and who risked their lives, by amending the criteria so that they can be awarded the South Atlantic Medal following commemorations of the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War.","date":"2007-11-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Shipping","id":"34157","proposer":"10258","edm":"67","session":"2007-08","title":"Water Freight","text":"That this House notes that moving freight by water is several times more environmentally sustainable than doing so by road and takes lorries off the congested road network; further notes that water freight makes a major contribution to the UK's economy and employs more than 200,000 people; welcomes the role played by sea and water in promoting water freight; calls on major retailers and others to do more to make their supply chains more green by making use of inland waterways and short sea shipping; and urges the Government to continue to support the water freight industry with policies to develop and maintain the inland waterway network and by ensuring that planning policies in particular encourage rather than hinder access to the waterways.","date":"2007-11-06","status":"c"}]