HC Deb 14 January 1980 vol 976 cc614-5W
Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied with the standard of emergency precautions in modern cross-Channel ferries; and whether he will consult with the operators regarding the provision of safety chutes to assist rapid evacuation on to life rafts.

Mr. Tebbit

All United Kingdom registered cross-Channel ferries are required to comply with the relevant internationally agreed standards. My Department is supporting the development of safety chutes to assist rapid evacuation into life rafts. It would be premature to consult operators until this development is completed and has been fully evaluated.