§ Mr. MuddTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what requirements are placed by his Department that it shall be the duty of cross-Channel ferry operators that, prior to sailing, the operational capability of public address systems shall be tested and proved to be audible for routine and emergency advice to passengers; and what action is taken in the event of reports being lodged that technical break-up and background noise make such advice indecipherable to passengers.
§ Mr. Portillo[holding answer 6 March 1989]: The procedures adopted by the ferry operators to bring the passengers attention to emergency instructions in accordance with advice issued by the Department's marine directorate should ensure that the system is in frequent use and good order.
The systems are thoroughly tested at least once a year by surveyors. All reports of difficulties with PA systems are thoroughly investigated by marine surveyors.