HL Deb 05 March 1990 vol 516 cc968-9

2.51 p.m.

Lord Blyth asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have determined what caused the fire which left the British Ferries-Sealink vessel "St. Columba" adrift without power in the Irish Sea on Wednesday, 31st January.

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, the fire on the "St. Columba" occurred when fuel oil escaped from a pipe and sprayed on to a hot exhaust manifold causing the oil to ignite.

Lord Blyth

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer. Can he say what fire precautions are taken, and are regular fire drills carried out? Furthermore, are the Government satisfied with the situation?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, yes, the Government are satisfied with the situation. This type of vessel is required to carry out a fire drill once a week. That involves only the crew and not the passengers. However, on every voyage there is an announcement to passengers before they set off relaying instructions about what to do in case of emergency or fire.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, may I take this opportunity to pay a warm tribute to Captain Bakewell and the crew of the "St. Columba" in Holyhead for the prompt and skilful way in which they dealt with the unfortunate accident? Their actions ensured that the passengers were not placed at risk. Is it the case that the marine accident investigation branch is looking at the matter carefully? Can the Minister say whether its findings have been sent to his department and, if so, what are the results?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, I wish to associate myself with the remarks made by the noble Lord the Leader of the Opposition and praise the captain and his crew. I also wish to inform your Lordships that the co-ordination of the rescue services, including preparation for a fullscale evacuation, was carried out by coastguards and that great efficiency was shown by all the organisations involved. The principal inspector has submitted his report to the department, and there was good co-operation between the inspector and Sealink. I understand that Sealink has already responded to the inspector's preliminary recommendations.

Lord Underhill

My Lords, without detracting from my noble friend's question and the Minister's reply, does not the incident justify the concern expressed by the officers' organisation, NUMAST, about proposals to reduce various manning levels? Is it not the case that last year Sealink proposed abolishing the rank of fourth engineer, whose responsibility is the maintenance and checking of engines? Is it also not the case that ferry operators have suggested applying to the Department of Transport for exemption from the necessity of carrying a radio operator on their ferries? If that is so, will the Minister do his utmost to ensure that those two changes do not occur?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, the Department of Transport is not aware of any suggestions to dispose of either an engineer or a radio operator. There is a minimum requirement as to the number of crew on board which each owner must obey. It is for the owner to decide whether to employ more than that requirement.