Strasbourg, 23/10/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Chairmen's Conference of the EP decided in Strasbourg on Thursday to create a temporary committee on "improving safety at sea". This unanimous decision envisages a committee made up of 44 members, which means in theory that it will be chaired by a member of the EPP-ED group. It will work for six months before presenting a report to the Parliament plenary session. This report will be examined in Strasbourg in May 2004, in the last session of the legislature. The temporary committee's mandate will be: - to study in detail maritime disasters, especially that of the Prestige, the Erika and other recent accidents and incidents; - to analyse the social and economic consequences, especially for fisheries, the industry and tourism, as well as health and the environment; - to examine maritime security standards and how they are applied in the Member States; - ensure that the recommendations contained within its resolution of 23 September 2003 are implemented (see EUROPE of 24 September, p.13); - to propose additional measures if necessary.