HC Deb 19 March 1996 vol 274 c102W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what directions were given(a) by him and (b) by officials of his Department to the harbourmaster dealing with the Sea Empress on the day on which the disaster first occurred; and if he will make a statement. [21580]

Mr. Norris

None.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the pilot on the Sea Empress had been subject to routine drug and alcohol testing before he boarded the vessel. [18584]

Mr. Norris

There is no statutory requirement for routine drug and alcohol testing of harbour pilots. The investigation into the incident by the marine accident investigation branch will consider whether alcohol or drugs had a bearing on the incidents.