§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what instructions he has issued to the companies who own the(a) Pride of Bruges, (b) Pride of Cherbourg, (c) Pride of Hampshire and (d) Pioneer ferries to ensure that they fulfil 100 per cent. dry-shod evacuation arrangements; what time limit he has set the companies to fulfil this commitment; what has been their reply; and if he will make a statement. [57]
§ Mr. NorrisI have asked the chief executive of the Marine Safety Agency to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 22 November 1995:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about what instructions have been issued to the companies who own the four ferries named, what time limits have been set and what has been their reply.The evacuation requirements for these ferries have not changed. However, the operators concerned have advised that they now offer 100% dry shod evacuation arrangements from these vessels. They have achieved this by limiting the number of passengers carried.