§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration his Department has given to the investigation of the safety aspects of bulk carriers; and what research is currently planned or proposed.
§ Mr. NorrisThere is a substantial programme of research being conducted on behalf of my Department aimed at improving safety on bulk carriers. Projects are being undertaken examining wave-induced vibrations in large vessels, the behaviour of iron ore cargoes, cement and other bulk cargoes. Investigation into the hazards of spontaneous heating and combustion of coal cargoes are also under way and a tender to investigate other aspects of bulk carrier and large crude oil tanker operations will shortly be issued.