---

Antarctic: Tourist Ships

One of the points in the document makes it clear that visitors should be aware of conditions and the restrictions placed on the Antarctic expeditionary stations and so on. The point is well made about the importance of ensuring that they have knowledge, so it is important to have guides and that some training is undertaken. I am sure that that takes place; part of the preparation plan has to be carefully tailored to that so that those who travel on those cruises are well aware of those issues. It is important that those issues are addressed and not underestimated, so that testing of equipment and passenger participation in understanding the impact that they can have is actively considered. We continue to play a leading role in strengthening existing international arrangements. We can never be complacent about issues relating to the environment or the safety of cruises; we are right to keep it under review. The point made by the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery, about the importance of ensuring that the International Maritime Organisation is continually up to speed is well understood not just by our Government but other Governments who work in this field. I am grateful to everyone who has taken part.