HC Deb 24 April 1968 vol 763 cc220-1
9. Sir R. Russell

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is satisfied with the safety conditions laid down by Normandy Ferries Limited, under which cars and passengers are carried on its cross-Channel routes, as printed on the tickets issued to passengers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

Yes, Sir. Ships on these routes are required to meet Board of Trade and international safety standards and nothing in a contract of carriage affects the shipowner's legal obligation to maintain a seaworthy vessel.

Sir K. Russell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the House will be relieved to hear that Answer? Is he further aware that one of the conditions laid down on the back of the ticket is that the vessel supplied will not necessarily be fit to carry the passengers' baggage and vehicles? Is this merely legal mumbo-jumbo and, if so, should it not be abolished?

Mr. Mallalieu

It sounds to me very much like legal mumbo-jumbo. All the ships have to have a Board of Trade certificate of seaworthiness.

Back to