§ 15. Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with European Economic Community Transport Ministers concerning ferry safety.
§ Mr. MooreAt the Council of Transport Ministers held on 23 March 1 expressed my thanks to those involved in the rescue following the Zeebrugge disaster, and I undertook to keep the Commission and the Council informed of the results of our inquiries. I have also circulated to the Council a copy of a preliminary paper about the disaster which my Department submitted to the International Maritime Organisation.
§ 17. Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Transport if his Department has received any approaches seeking funding to research ferry safety.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerRequests for the funding of research are received from different sources, including the Department's own professional staff. In many cases, the research is applicable to all types of ships including ro/ro ferries. Requests for research funding specifically applicable to ro/ro ferries since 1980 and the current positions on the projects are: assessment of toxic concentrations in car decks—completed; assymmetrical flooding of compartments—phase 1 completed, phase 242W approved; safety assessment of ro/ro vessels — completed; Survivability of ro/ros—completed; centrifugel forces and wind forces on ro/ros—completed.