§ Mr. Paul FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State how many ferries operating out of British ports do not have facilities for 100 per cent, dry shod evacuation. [19302]
§ Mr. NorrisThis is an operational matter for the Marine Safety Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
503WLetter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 25 April 1995:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your question about the number of ferries operating with facilities for 100% dry-shod evacuation.At present there are 49 vessels of British registry operating out of United Kingdom ports and of these 45 have 100% dry-shod evacuation capability.With regard to the 45 foreign vessels the information requested is not available but the vessels must comply with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Under that convention those constructed since 1 July 1986 will have the facility for over 100% dry-shod evacuation. As older ships are replaced the number with less than 100% dry shod evacuation will reduce.