asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they intend to take to implement the outstanding measures in the Erika 3 package of maritime safety measures; and what actions are they taking to further implementation of that package throughout the European Union. [HL2851]

The Government support five of the Third Maritime Safety Package (Erika 3) measures: vessel traffic monitoring, accident investigation, port state control, carrier liability and classification societies. The negotiations on these five proposals are well advanced and the Government are urging the European Commission, other member states and the European Parliament to conclude them as soon as possible.

The Government have yet to be convinced of the need for the remaining two proposals on flag state requirements and the civil liability of shipowners. A policy debate on these two proposals will take place at next week’s transport council.

Once final agreement on all the measures in the Third Maritime Safety Package has been reached, the European Commission will be responsible for ensuring that member states and relevant organisations fulfil their legal requirements. The European Maritime Safety Agency will assist the Commission in undertaking this task. The implementation of the measures in the UK will be undertaken through the usual parliamentary procedures.