House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 9 Jul 2002 (pt 1)

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Written Answers to Questions

Tuesday 9 July 2002

TRANSPORT

Nuclear Waste Shipments

Mr. Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the seaworthiness of ships that will carry cargoes of nuclear waste from Japan to Sellafield. [68090]

Mr. Jamieson: Ships are subject to mandatory survey by their flag administration in accordance with the requirements of the International Maritime Organisation. The ships that are transporting MOX fuel from Japan to Sellafield are flagged with the UK and so the survey and certification arrangements are the responsibility of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport.

The ships have been subjected to the proper survey regime and hold valid certificates of compliance with the IMO requirements, including the special requirements applicable to ships meeting the highest Class 3 of the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Packaged Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Waste on board Ships.

Mr. Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the risk to coastal areas from ships carrying cargoes of nuclear waste to Sellafield. [68089]

Mr. Jamieson: Between 1995 and 1999 the UK participated in an international research project, co-ordinated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which studied the risks associated with ships carrying radioactive material of all kinds, including nuclear waste. The results of that study were published in IAEA-TECDOC-1231, "Severity, probability and risk of accidents during maritime transport of radioactive material", in July 2001, which is available on the IAEA's website at http://www.iaea.org/ns/rasanet/programme/ radiationsafety/transportsafety/Downloads/Files2001/ t1231.pdf.

Fareham

Mr. Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many transport (a) surveys and (b) studies under way cover Fareham. [68095]

Mr. Jamieson: My Department is currently undertaking the South Coast Multi Modal Study, which includes consideration of strategic transport issues from Southampton to Margate, including Fareham. One of that study's eight strategy development plans centres on the south Hampshire area. The responsibility for local transport issues in Fareham is a matter for Hampshire County Council, who will periodically undertake surveys and consultation events in connection with the local

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transport plan and specific measures such as the development of the light rail line from Fareham to Portsmouth via Gosport.

EU Committees (Scottish Representation)

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of recording equipment in road transport (tachographs) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68590]

Mr. Jamieson: The Committee for Adaptation to Technical Progress (CATP) last met in September 2001 and currently there are no plans for further meetings. Officials from my Department represent the UK on the Committee as policy responsibility for the tachographs is a reserved matter. However, my officials consult the Scottish Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the devolved Administrations.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee for the establishment of conditions for the interoperability of the trans-European high-speed rail system is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68585]

Mr. Jamieson: The next meeting of this Committee is scheduled for 30 September 2002. Officials from the Strategic Rail Authority, assisted by HM Inspectorate of Railways, represent the UK on the Committee as policy responsibility for the transport trans-European network is a reserved matter. However, my officials would consult the Scottish Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the devolved Administrations.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee on the reciprocal recognition of national boatmasters' certificates for the carriage of goods and passengers by inland waterway is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68581]

Mr. Jamieson: This Committee has not met for some time and it is not known when it will next meet. Officials from my Department would represent the UK on this Committee as responsibility for policy on national boatmasters' certificates is a reserved matter.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee on the System of Changing for the Use of Transport Infrastructure is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68575]

Mr. Jamieson: No date has yet been fixed for the next meeting of this Committee but we expect it to be held in the Autumn. Officials from my Department represent the UK on the Committee as policy responsibility for EU transport infrastructure charging issues is a reserved matter. However, my officials consult the Scottish

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Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the Devolved Administrations.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Advisory Committee on unfair pricing in maritime transport is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68598]

Mr. Jamieson: It is not known when this Committee will next meet. Officials from the Office of Fair Trading, the Department of Trade and Industry and my Department, as appropriate, represent the UK on this Committee as competition policy is a reserved matter.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee on application of tonnage measurement of ballast spaces in segregated ballast of oil tankers is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68599]

Mr. Jamieson: The Committee has never met and there are no plans for it to do so.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of roadworthiness tests of vehicles is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68588]

Mr. Jamieson: No date has yet been fixed for the meeting of this Committee but we expect it to be held in the autumn. Officials from my Department represent the UK on the Committee as policy responsibility for the roadworthiness testing of vehicles is a reserved matter. However, my officials consult the Scottish Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the Devolved Administrations.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee on application of the legislation on the minimum level of training for seafarers and the recognition of certificates issued by training institutes or administration of third countries is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68597]

Mr. Jamieson: No date has yet been fixed for the next meeting of this committee. Officials from my Department represent the UK on the committee as policy responsibility is a reserved matter. My officials will consult the Scottish Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the devolved Administrations.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee on the transfer for ships from one register to another within the Community is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68603]

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Mr. Jamieson: This committee has never been known to meet and there are no plans for it to do so. Officials from my Department would represent the UK on this committee since policy on ship registration is a reserved matter.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Advisory Committee on the Transportation of Radioactive Waste (Surveillance and Control) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68565]

Mr. Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) on 10 June 2002, Official Report, column 917W.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee for granting Community financial aid in the field of trans-European networks on transport is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68584]

Mr. Jamieson: No date has yet been fixed for the next meeting of this committee but we expect it to be held in the autumn. Officials from my Department represent the UK on the committee as policy responsibility for the transport trans-European network is a reserved matter. However, my officials consult the Scottish Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the devolved Administrations.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee on the Development of Trans-Europe Transport Networks is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68574]

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee on the Adaptation to Scientific and Technical Progress of Legislation concerning the Transport of Dangerous Goods is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68592]

Mr. Jamieson: There is no date set for the next meeting of this committee, but it is expected to be in late 2002. Officials from the Department for Transport, and the Health and Safety Executive represent the UK on this committee, as responsibility for the transport of dangerous goods is a reserved matter, pertaining to transport safety.

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Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Advisory Committee on Transport is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68577]

Mr. Jamieson: This committee was established under Article 79 of the EC treaty. But, as far as we are aware, the committee has not met in recent times and there are no plans for it to do so. Representatives of the Scottish Executive have not been—and would not in the future be—members of the committee as EU transport policy is a reserved matter.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Advisory Committee on aids to transport by rail, road and inland waterway is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68580]

Mr. Jamieson: This Committee was established under the provisions of Article 6 of the 1970 Regulation on the granting of aids for transport by rail, road and inland waterway (Regulation (EEC) No. 1107/70). As far as we are aware, the Committee has not met for several years and there are no plans for it so to do. Representatives of the Scottish Executive have not been—and would not in the future be—members of the Committee as policy on state aids is a reserved matter.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Implementation Committee on minimum requirements for vessels bound for and leaving Community ports and carrying dangerous or polluting goods is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68600]

Mr. Jamieson: No date has been fixed for the next meeting of this Committee. Officials from my Department represent the UK on the Committee as responsibility for maritime safety and pollution prevention is a reserved matter.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Advisory Committee on the definition and use of compatible technical and operating standards and specifications for the procurement of air traffic management equipment and systems is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68602]

Mr. Jamieson: This Committee meets only on an ad-hoc basis, and no meetings are scheduled at present. Officials from my Department would represent the UK on the Committee as policy responsibility on air traffic management is a reserved matter. However, my officials would consult the Scottish Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the devolved Administrations.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee on the harmonisation of technical requirements and administrative procedures in the field of civil aviation is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68595]

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Mr. Jamieson: The Committee on the harmonisation of technical requirements and administrative procedures in the field of civil aviation is established under the provisions of Article 12 of Council Regulation (EEC) 3922–91. The Committee meets only on an ad-hoc basis and no future meeting is currently scheduled. It is composed of officials competent in the sphere of aviation safety regulation and each Member State may nominate one official to represent it. Since aviation safety regulation is a reserved matter, representatives from the Scottish Executive would not attend Committee meetings. However, the Government would consult the Scottish Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the Devolved Administrations.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee on the driving licence is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [68594]

Mr. Jamieson: No date has yet been fixed for this Committee but we expect it to be held in the Autumn. Officials from my Department represent the UK on the Committee, supported as necessary by colleagues from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and the Driving Standards Agency. Policy responsibility for driving licences is a reserved matter.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions in air transport is next due to met; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [67737]

Mr. Jamieson: The Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions in air transport is established under the provisions of Article 8 of Regulation (EEC) 3975/87. The Committee meets only on an ad-hoc basis and no future meeting is currently scheduled. It is composed of officials competent in the sphere of air transport and agreements and dominant positions and each Member State may nominate two officials to represent it.

Since regulation of aviation and air transport, and of anti-competitive practices and agreements and abuse of dominant position, are reserved matters, representatives from the Scottish Executive would not attend Committee meetings. However, the Government would consult the Scottish Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the Devolved Administrations.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Technical Adaptation Committee on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [67754]

Mr. Jamieson: The UK representatives at such meetings would be drawn from staff with the relevant technical and policy responsibilities within the Health and Safety Executive. During the last 12 months HSE have received no invitations to such technical meetings; nor are any currently scheduled.

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Health and safety at work does not fall within the responsibilities of the devolved Governments of Scotland and Wales, and they do not have separate representation in the European Community. However, central Departments are under an obligation to consult them if matters negotiated at European level touch upon the responsibilities of the devolved Administrations.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Technical Adaptation Committee on the minimum safety and health requirements for improved medical treatment on board vessels is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [67755]

Mr. Jamieson: This committee has never met, and there are no plans for it to do so.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions in the shipping industry is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [67757]

Mr. Jamieson: The Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions meets on an ad hoc basis when there are decisions or legislative proposals to discuss. It is not known when it will next meet. Officials from the Office of Fair Trading, the Department of Trade and Industry and my Department represent the UK on the committee as competition policy is a reserved matter.

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