§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the evacuation times of all high-speed catamaran passenger craft operating from United Kingdom ports. [26429]
§ Mr. NorrisThis is an operational matter for the Marine Safety Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 6 June 1995:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about the evacuation times of all high speed catamaran passenger craft operating from United Kingdom ports.Evacuation times range from 9 to 16 minutes and are therefore within the maximum allowable time of 17 minutes 40 seconds as required by the Code of Safety for High Speed Craft.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what considerations led him not to publish the evacuation trials on high-speed catamaran passenger craft. [26431]
§ Mr. NorrisThis is an operational matter for the Marine Safety Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 6 June 1995:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your further Question about publishing evacuation trials on high speed catamaran passenger craft.As part of its comprehensive approval, survey and inspection procedures, the Agency conducts or oversees a number of tests and trials to ensure that seagoing crafts of all types meet national and international safety standards, including evacuation requirements. There are no plans to publish the results of particular tests or trials, other than in the context of serious deficiencies where a ship is detained.