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1. The Committee noted in previous direct requests that several draft texts in respect of the prison system were under examination, and particularly a Bill respecting the general principles of the prison system. It had also noted that the Government confined itself in its report to referring to its previous reports. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide specific information in its next report on the state of work on these Bills.

2. In its previous comments, the Committee also noted that certain provisions of the Merchant Shipping Penal and Disciplinary Code (Legislative Decree No. 33/252, sections 132 and 137, respecting desertion and failure to execute certain orders) could result in prison sentences involving compulsory labour. The Committee recalled that the only sentences not covered by the Convention are those applying to acts which endanger the safety of the vessel or the life or health of persons on board. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its report referring to the information provided previously, to the effect that the revision of the Merchant Shipping Act is still in progress. It therefore once again requests the Government to supply specific information in its next report on the progress of the revision work.