§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Minister for Trade if he will introduce regulations requiring demonstrations of safety procedures on ferries similar to those undertaken on aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SproatNo. The requirements for safety procedures on ships are contained in the Merchant Shipping (Musters) Regulations 1980 (Statutory Instrument 1980 No. 542), supplemented by Merchant Shipping Notice No. M.694. These require crew members to be trained by regular practice musters and drills so as190W to enable them to ensure the safety of passengers in an emergency. This is complemented by widely displayed notices and illustrations giving instructions to passengers on the use of lifejackets and evacuation of the ship in an emergency. It would be impracticable to require demonstrations to passengers on ferries similar to those on aircraft.