§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents world wide involving United Kingdom registered merchant vessels over 100 gross tonnes were reported in 1991.
§ Mr. NorrisA total of 140 accidents were recorded.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what account he has taken of the effect of hydrocarbon fuels and lengths of journey on ship fire safety standards; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisShip safety standards, including fire safety standards relating to the carriage and use of hydrocarbon fuels, are prescribed in the international convention for the safety of life at sea (SOLAS) for ships engaged on international voyages, both long and short. Those standards, together with similarly appropriate standards for ships not engaged on international voyages, are implemented by merchant shipping legislation.