Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department is taking steps to support (a) people in the merchant navy and (b) other seafarers.

I refer the Hon Member to my answer of 14 April to UIN 33210 (http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-questions-answers/?page=1&max=20&questiontype=AllQuestions&house=commons%2clords&uin=33210). In addition, this Government is a signatory to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (ratification by the UK in August 2013, enforcement August 2014).

This convention is widely referred to as the seafarer’s ‘Bill of rights’ and offers comprehensive protection worldwide, with robust enforcement measures in place, for all those employed at sea. Issues covered include fair terms and conditions of employment, as well as access to adequate food, rest periods, recreational facilities and medical care.

Domestically my department is in close contact at official level with colleagues in the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) who are currently in the process, in full consultation with social partners and industry, of updating National Minimum Wage guidelines for seafarers. This amended guidance is on target to be published in late spring 2016.