§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his assessment of the evacuation exercise conducted by Sally Line in Ramsgate seven years ago; and what lessons may be drawn from that exercise for plans for evacuation of ferries operating from United Kingdom ports. [24921]
§ Mr. Norris[holding answer 18 May 1995]This is an operational matter for the Marine Safety Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Paul Flynn dated 6 June 1995:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about the evacuation exercise conducted by Sally Line in Ramsgate seven years ago.A ferry exercise "FEREX '86" was carried out from the Sally Line ferry, "THE VIKING", one mile off Broadstairs in January 1986. The exercise was arranged by the RNLI in co-operation with the Sally-Line, the Director of Naval Operations and Trade, Royal Marines Deal, RAF Manston and HMCG Dover. All agreed that FEREX '86 proved to be a most useful exercise. As a result of this operation, which was the first of its kind in UK waters, similar exercises have been conducted since, whenever the opportunity has arisen.