HC Deb 10 June 1996 vol 279 cc32-3W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest estimate of the evacuation time of all passengers and crew that can be required of all ferries using British ports licensed to carry more than 1,000 passengers. [32094]

Mr. Norris

The precise time taken to evacuate any such ship would depend upon individual circumstances. Under the safety of life at sea convention, all survival craft needs for the abandonment of the ship must be able to be launched fully loaded within 30 minutes from the time the abandon ship signal is given.