§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport which are the four British-registered ferries which do not have 100 per cent. dry-shod evacuation; which routes they sail on, and what are the evacuation arrangements on these ferries. [22907]
§ Mr. NorrisThis is an operational matter for the Marine Safety Agency. I have asked its chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 9 May 1995:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your question about four ferries which do not have 100 per cent dry-shod evacuation.There are four UK registered vessels, which ply on the following routes and have evacuation arrangements as described:PRIDE OF BRUGES—Dover to Calais.Lifeboats and Marine Evacuation Systems are provided for 1158 persons and inflatable liferafts with overside ladders for 300 persons. The maximum permitted number of persons on board is 1400.PRIDE OF CHERBOURG—Portsmouth to Cherbourg.Lifeboats are provided for 798 persons and inflatable liferafts with overside ladders for 610 persons. The maximum permitted number of persons on board is 1297.PRIDE OF HAMPSHIRE—Portsmouth to Cherbourg.Lifeboats are provided for 798 persons and inflatable liferafts with overside ladders for 600 persons. The maximum permitted number of persons on board is 1302.PIONEER—Plies between ports on the West Coast of Scotland, Western Isles and Northern Ireland. Lifeboats are provided for 80 persons and inflatable liferafts with overside ladders for 275 persons. The maximum permitted number of persons on board is 294.