Merchant Shipping Regulations Lord Lester of Herne Hill asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Macdonald of Tradeston on 7 February ( WA 67), what are the reasons for the continuing delay in replying substantively to the Question for Written Answer by Lord Lester of Herne Hill of 7 December 1999 (HL277) concerning the publication of documents on the background to the Merchant Shipping Act 1988 and regulations made under it. [HL1029] Lord Macdonald of Tradeston I regret the delay in replying substantively to the noble Lord's Question. My department is reviewing the position of the documents (which are voluminous) and consulting other interested departments. I will write to the noble Lord as soon as possible and place a copy of my letter in the Library.