1 December, 2007

NORTHERN isles MP Alistair Carmichael has called on the government to set aside time to debate the ongoing industrial dispute within the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Speaking at Business Questions in the House of Commons, Mr Carmichael said the MCA's chief executive had announced a major reorganisation aimed at cutting costs.

"There is real concern in the shipping industry that the agency will try to walk away from some of its responsibilities, such as ship inspection and seafarer certification," he said.

"These are matters of concern to not only island and coastal communities, but the shipping industry, which earns something in the region of £322 a second for the UK. Surely that is something to which we can give some time."

After Leader of the House Harriet Harman suggested the issue could be raised in next week's fisheries debate, Mr Carmichael reacted with scorn.

"I realise that Ms Harman has other things on her mind at the moment, but it is important to remember that she is Leader of the House of Commons and as such she should allow Parliamentary time to discuss issues of national importance.

"Her suggestion of using the fishing debate next week to discuss this shows how little she understands. The fishing debate comes around only once a year and is already short and busy enough.

"The pay dispute which continues to affect the MCA has been allowed to go on for far too long with serious implications for many thousands of jobs, our entire shipping industry and the safety of those working on our seas. It is without doubt deserving of Parliamentary time and I hope Ms Harman will see fit to allow for such a debate."