Consultations
DfT: Proposals to improve marine safety in ports and at sea have been published for consultation (closes on 25 July 2008). The Marine Navigation Bill is intended to improve the ability of the Secretary of State, harbour authorities and the General Lighthouse Authorities to manage shipping and allow the better management of wrecks to help to minimise their environmental and financial impact.
Press release ~ Marine Navigation Bill consultation document ~ International Maritime Organization (IMO)
BERR: UK Business Secretary John Hutton has set out proposals for changes to UK consumer law, to benefit consumers, reduce burdens for business and help enforcers. He now wants business and consumer groups to come forward with evidence(by 31 July 2008) that could inform the root & branch review of consumer law.
The Government is seeking feedback on a number of ideas and questions including:
* Simplifying the law by replacing the 100-plus consumer laws with more flexible general rules
* Are there other significant costs for business which could be reduced?
* How to help consumers better understand their rights?
* Bringing together a small number of core consumer rights into a single Act of Parliament
* How to encourage swift & effective dispute resolution between business and consumers?
* Whether changes might be required to keep pace with technological developments like the internet?
* What changes would most help enforcement bodies target their resources on rogue traders or those that deliberately flout the law, and ensure that honest businesses do not carry unnecessary costs
DfT: New proposals to reform the way people learn to drive and how they are tested have been announced by Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly and published for consultation (closes on 8 September 2008). The aim of the consultation is to create safer drivers for life by strengthening the current learning & testing procedures, and creating a culture of extended and advanced learning – See ‘In the News’ section for more information.
