asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy towards the carriage of toxic substances by publicly owned or publicly subsidised ships; if the same provisions apply throughout the private sector; and if he will make a statement.

Our policy is that all United Kingdom registered merchant ships in normal commercial services must comply with the relevant provisions contained in the Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods) Regulations when carrying toxic substances.No distinction is made in this safety policy, as between publicly owned, publicly subsidised or privately owned ships.