Roll on/Roll off Ferries

HC Deb 23 April 1990 vol 171 c44W

8. Mr. Janner

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he proposes to take powers to require improvements in the design of roll on/roll off ferries.

Mr. McLoughlin

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport already has such powers by virtue of the Merchant Shipping Act 1979. On 2 April we announced the results of a Department of Transport-sponsored research programme into ways of improving the safety of ro-ro passenger ferries. This work will have significant implications for developments in ferry design throughout the world, and we have already taken steps to ensure its full consideration at the International Maritime Organisation next month.