§ Mr. David MartinTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he proposes to take to promote safety improvements on board ferries plying to and from British ports; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Government regard safety as an overriding priority on ferries, as on other means of transport. We have taken a number of steps to improve ferry safety in recent years. New legislation has been introduced, supplemented by increased numbers of random and unannounced inspections of both United Kingdom and non-United Kingdom ferries by Department of Transport marine surveyors. We have also required all United Kingdom flag ferries, irrespective of year of build, to meet the United Kingdom residual190W stability standards introduced for new vessels in 1980. These requirements exceed current international stability standards.
In addition, we have recently published the results of an important research programme, which has considerable implications for ship design and stability standards. We intend to pursue the recommendations resulting from this research through the International Maritime Organisation, and have already taken steps to ensure the proposals are considered at the maritime safety committee in May.