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The Committee notes the general information sent in reply to its previous direct request concerning the interministerial committee which is to examine the legislation's consistency with the Conventions. It also notes the statement made by the maritime transport holding company concerning the variety and quantity of ships' supplies, and the committees to supervise food on board ships. It hopes that the next report will contain specific information on the questions raised in the Committee's previous request, which read as follows:

Article 4 of the Convention. The Committee has noted the provisions relating to the status of marine inspectors. It hopes the Government will supply further information on the qualifications of inspectors responsible for the supervision of food and catering on board ship.

Article 5, paragraph 2(b). Please indicate the provisions placing responsibility for the arrangement and equipment of the catering department on the shipowner.

Article 6(b) and (c). Please provide any available information as to the working of the inspection system, for example extracts from inspection reports, particularly in relation to food and water storage and galley equipment. Please give a general appreciation of the application of the Convention in this respect (cf. Parts III and V of the report form).

Article 7. In its latest report, the Government indicates that inspections are made by an administrative officer on board under the captain's control. Since the legislation referred to by the Government and examined by the Committee does not appear to deal with this point, the Committee hopes the Government will in the near future be able to indicate the legislation or collective agreements providing for inspection at sea and the recording of inspection results, as required by this Article.

Article 8. The Government has referred to a procedure for the investigation of catering complaints by a single crew member, although there does not appear to be legislation dealing specifically with this matter. Please describe the practical working of this procedure (cf. Part V of the report form).

Article 9, paragraph 3. The Committee hopes that in due course the marine inspection authorities referred to in connection with Articles 4 and 6 of the Convention will adopt uniform lines for inspection reports, in conformity with this provision.

Article 10. The Committee hopes that an annual inspection report will be prepared and forwarded to the Office, as required by this Article.

Article 11. The Committee hopes that information on training in on-board catering will become available soon.

Article 12. The Committee hopes that, in the absence of legislation dealing specifically with the collection and dissemination of up-to-date catering information, the Government will consider taking appropriate steps to apply this Article, and that it will provide all available information on any procedures currently operating.

[The Government is asked to report in detail for the period ending 30 June 1994.]