MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL

Order for Second Reading read.

11.05 a.m.

The Minister for Commerce and Industry (Mr J. M. Jumabhoy): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

This Bill amends Section 44 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance in order to ensure X-ray and medical examination of registered seamen before each of them is engaged. These medical examinations are distinct from the X-ray medical examination provided for in the Seamen's Registry Board Bill which I moved just now and under which persons must successfully undergo a medical examination before they are qualified to be registered as seamen. The medical examination prescribed in this Bill will be required prior to each engagement of a seaman, to ensure that he is in a good state of health and free from disease when he signs on a ship. There is provision in the Bill for the establishment of a panel of medical practitioners approved by the Minister for Health to examine seamen before engagement. Power is also given to the Minister for Health to prescribe the fees to be charged for the examination. Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time.

Mr Speaker: Committee stage, what day?

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: 24th April, Sir.