Clause 75 - Professional staff on duty

Part of Railways and Transport Safety Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 2:30 pm on 27 February 2003.

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Photo of Don Foster Don Foster Shadow Secretary of State for Transport 2:30, 27 February 2003

I understand what the Minister says. However, the heading of this clause relates to shipping and is about the protection of passengers and so on. Clearly a number of people other than those on board at any one time will nevertheless, while off the ship, have posts that are critical to the safety of shipping. I gave the example of harbourmasters, who would not be on the ship but would have specific responsibility for ships entering a particular harbour or port. I could have given the example of staff on duty in lighthouses.

I am merely asking why a number of other categories of persons who have responsibility in respect of shipping are not included in the legislation.