QE2 (Safety)

HC Deb 01 March 1995 vol 255 cc591-2W

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 20 February,Official Report, column 3, which agency was responsible for refusing the Queen Elizabeth 2 permission to sail from New York in December 1994 until further works had been undertaken on the vessel.

Mr. Norris

The requirements of both the Marine Safety Agency and the United States coast guard resulted in a delay to the departure of the Queen Elizabeth 2 from New York.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 20 February,Official Report, column 3, what discussions were held between the Marine Safety Agency and US authorities regarding the fitness of the Queen Elizabeth 2 to sail from New York in December 1994; what advice was received from the US authorities; and what action was taken as a result.

Mr. Norris

The Marine Safety Agency maintained a professional dialogue with the United States coast guard when they boarded the ship in New York. Both agencies advised the owners that further work was necessary before departure and action was taken to comply with these requirements.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 20 February,Official Report, column 3, what was the precise nature of the work which the Marine Safety Agency required to be undertaken to the Queen Elizabeth 2 before the vessel was allowed to leave New York in December 1994.

Mr. Norris

As I explained in my previous answer on 20 February 1994,Official Report, column 3, the work which had been delayed due to heavy weather during the crossing had to be completed. This included materials being removed from the restricted access areas of the ship.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 20 February,Official Report, column 3, what breaches of the safety of life at sea convention were identified on the QE2 (a) during the vessel's voyage to New York in December 1994 and (b) whilst in New York in December 1994.

Mr. Norris

The ship had work outstanding on sailing from Southampton, some of which was SOLAS related. For this reason, a certificate was issued for a reduced number of passengers, subject to special provisions and procedures being in place during the voyage.