IN November, I was drawn out number 17 (out of 20) in the Private Members Bill ballot, and I have chosen to adopt the Marine Safety Bill.

Its Second Reading is scheduled for February 28.

I have been interested in safety at sea since my election to Parliament in 1997, when I joined the campaign to seek justice for the families of the MV Derbyshire. Because bulk carriers are still sinking at the rate of one a month (3,000 lives have been lost on these ships since the Derbyshire sank in 1980), the All-Party Parliamentary Derbyshire Group has now refocused its attention on marine safety in general.

The re-opened formal inquiry into the sinking of the Derbyshire resulted in the ship's crew being exonerated of negligence and made many recommendations on improvements to ship's safety, which we are campaigning for the Government to adopt and promote internationally.

Following the Sea Empress disaster at Milford Haven, Lord Donaldson produced a report containing various recommendations including the appointment of a Secretary of State's Representative (SOSREP), who can take control of marine incidents should it prove necessary. I am working with the present holder of this post, Robin Middleton, who is based in Southampton, and with the Maritime and Coastgaurd Agency, on The Marine Safety Bill.

When there is a marine incident, the SOSREP hasn't got the powers to commandeer private facilities on shore, for example jetties and wharfs, which could be used to dock a ship. Thus, all the facilities along the River Thames are in private ownership. A few years ago a fully laden oil tanker had an engine room fire. The owner of the jetty where it was due to off-load its cargo prevented it from docking, and insisted that it be towed out to sea in a gale, so that it would not prevent other oil tankers from discharging their cargos on the jetty. This could have produced a major disaster. The SOSREP had no powers to over-ride the commercial decision. My Bill, if enacted, would give him those powers. Many fire services in coastal authorities are specially trained to deal with marine emergencies, at sea, in river estuaries or in harbours. Their authority, however, ends at the low water mark. This can make it extremely difficult for them to recover their costs, either from the ships' owners or from their insurers and, consequently, a reducing number are willing to engage in such duties. My Bill will attempt to make it easier for recovery of these costs.

If any of my Constituents wish to see copies of my list of contributions in Parliament, copies of my speeches (the latest being on the European Food Supplements and Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directives) or a copy of my running diary, they should contact the number given below.

My advice surgeries are on the first Saturday of each month at 10.30 a.m. in Farnworth Town Hall (rear entrance) and on the third Friday of every month at 4.30 p.m. in Bolton Town Hall (Dido Suite). Ring Karen (371202) or visit my web site at www.brianiddonmp.org.uk for further information and news. We try to respond to every item of correspondence within 14 days. If you do not get a response, please contact us in case your letter (or fax) has not reached us.