§ Mr. LoydenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents' report following the investigation by Oceaneering Technologies into the wreck of M V Derbyshire.
§ Mr. NorrisMy right hon. Friend is considering the chief inspector's submission. His deliberations will include consideration of placing relevant material in the Library in due course.
§ Mr. LoydenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the frequency of inspection of United Kingdom merchant ships by the underwriters.
§ Mr. NorrisThe frequency of inspection by underwriters of merchant ships of any flag is a commercial decision for the organisations involved.
§ Mr. LoydenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he intends to take to raise the standards of safety on United Kingdom merchant ships; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisWe believe that the standards of safety on United Kingdom registered merchant vessels are among the highest in the world. We shall continue to maintain and, where necessary, to raise those standards by national or international action.
§ Mr. LoydenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the outcome of the discussions with the European Transport Ministers on the loss of the Estonia and related matters including safety standards of roll-on roll-off ferries.
§ Mr. NorrisI refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport's statement on the Transport Council, of 30 NovemberOfficial Report columns 659–60. The Government will play an active role in the development of the detailed initiatives on ferry safety both in the European Community and at the International Maritime Organisation.