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Last Updated: Tuesday, 5 July 2005, 12:03 GMT 13:03 UK

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Merchant Shipping Bill

AIM

This bill aims to reduce marine pollution and ensures that if accidents do occur that there is a system of compensation in place in line with international arrangements.

MAIN PROVISIONS

BILL'S PROGRESS

Responsible department: Dept for Transport

Origin: House of Lords

Introduced: 25 May 2005

Second reading: 14 June 2005

Committee stage: 11 July 2005

Report stage: 17 Oct 2005

Third reading: 26 Oct 2005

COMMONS:

First reading: 26 Oct 2005

Second reading: 25 Jan 2006

Committee stage: 7 Feb 2006

Remaining stages: 7 March 2006

ROYAL ASSENT: 30 March 2006

Implements the Supplementary Fund Protocol to ensure full and speedy compensation to those affected by an oil spill - such as hoteliers, fishermen - and for the clear-up operation

Compensation costs will be shared by major oil importers, rather than being provided for in national budgets

Helps to preserve the international status of the compensation system and prevents the introduction of regional or national systems which could destabilise this

Allows the UK to join any future regime governing oil pollution if the current system is revised

Enables the UK to implement measures to reduce air pollution from ships

BACKGROUND

This bill aids the UK's compliance with its climate change programme and the UK's EC partnership commitments on acidification strategy and national emissions ceilings.