Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps his Department has taken to ensure compliance with the International Convention for the Control of Ships' Ballast Water.

The International Convention for the Control of Ships' Ballast Water is not yet in force internationally.

In order to achieve its widespread adoption Member States of the International Maritime Organisation including the UK are finalising the enforcement regime associated with the convention. Shipping is a reserved matter. The UK Government sought input from the Scottish Government in the development of the convention and the Scottish Government is being consulted on the negotiating position taken by the UK.