§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the adequacy and equitability of existing primary legislation and statutory instruments relating to the design and operation of fast launches and hovercraft in providing a framework for accommodating recent technical advance and innovation in this field; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellExisting primary legislation and statutory instruments provide a suitable framework for accommodating recent technical advance and innovation relating to design and operation of fast launches and hovercraft. Hovercraft are covered under special hovercraft legislation and other high speed dynamically supported craft carrying passengers are covered by merchant shipping legislation supplemented by the International Maritime Organisation code of safety for dynamically supported craft.