§ Mr. David MartinTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the safety of the wave-piercing catamaran to be introduced on the Portsmouth/Cherbourg service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinI understand that the vessel in question will be registered in the Bahamas and it is primarily for that Administration to consider whether the standards of safety for passengers and crew are adequate. However, because the design of these craft is novel and they require exemption from internationally agreed standards, the Department has called for technical and operational details to make its own assessment. The craft will not be permitted to carry passengers from a United Kingdom port until I am satisfied that it is safe to do so.