HC Deb 25 March 1996 vol 274 cc458-9W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what timetables have been agreed for ferries operating in(a) British waters and (b) Norwegian waters to comply with the new 50 cm limit for flooding of the car decks. [22807]

Mr. Norris

I have asked the chief executive of the Marine Safety Agency to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 25 March 1996: The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your question about the time tables for implementation of the new 50 centimetre limit for flooding on the car decks of ferries operating in (a) British waters and (b) Norwegian waters. The agreement concluded in Stockholm last month establishes a timetable for the application of the new standard to all ferries operating on international voyages in the waters of any country. within the specified geographical area, including the UK and Norway and wishing to apply the agreement. Such ferries are required to comply not later than the first yearly inspection following the date of compliance prescribed below according to the vessel's value of A/Amax:

Value of A/Amax Date of Compliance
Less than 85 per cent. 1 April 1997
Less than 90 per cent. 31 December 1998
Less than 95 per cent. 31 December 1999

Value of A/Amax Date of Compliance
Less than 97.5 per cent. 31 December 2000
97.5 per cent. or higher 31 December 2001—but in any case not later than 1 October 2002.