HC Deb 26 July 1988 vol 138 c166W
Mr. David Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about his Departments investigation into the allegations that the P and O ferry, Free Enterprise II sailed with her bow doors open in November 1987.

Mr. Channon

My Department has carried out a thorough investigation into the alleged incident. As I informed the House on 16 May, at column 659, the ship was not sailing from port but moving from one berth to another within the confines of the harbour. The investigation concluded that the manoevre did not present any danger to the ship or to anyone on board. Moreover, there was no contravention of the statutory requirements and no offence was committed.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about radio communication aboard the P and O ferry European Trader.

Mr. Portillo

[holding answer 25 July 1988]: A qualified radio officer is required on board this vessel, and the radio communications equipment fully complies with statutory requirements.