To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what procedures are in place for consultation with his Department about crew changes on the United Kingdom-registered ship Pacific Crane, following its arrival in Japan in connection with a cargo of plutonium; and if he will give details of the proposed crew changes.

None. There is no requirement for shipowners-managers to consult my Department when changing the crews of their ships, this is an operational matter for the owners-managers provided that the legal requirements are met.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the proposed crew changes on the British registered ship Pacific Crane following its arrival in Japan are compatible with the officer nationality requirements of the United Kingdom Register of Shipping.

It would be premature to consider whether a future unidentified crew would comply with the Department's manning requirements, but steps can be taken to ensure that United Kingdom law is observed in this respect.