§ Mr. Peter Reesasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans for further measures to improve the safety of roll-on/roll-off ferries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MooreAs I informed the House on 9 March, my Department has embarked on a programme of checks on roll-on/roll-off ships, and these checks will be repeated at six-monthly intervals.
The formal investigation into the loss of the Herald of Free Enterprise opens on Monday. When it reports, I shall give most urgent and serious consideration to its recommendations. If, as the Investigation proceeds, it becomes clear that measures ought to be taken before the inquiry process has been completed, I shall not hesitate to do so.