Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Louise Ellman Excerpts
Thursday 27th June 2013

(11 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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My hon. Friend is right that many constituents will flock to the coast, including the coastline in his constituency and many others around the UK. Our coastline is fantastic, attractive and beautiful, but it is also dangerous and people should not take risks or underestimate it.

Louise Ellman Portrait Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op)
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Amphibious vessels such as the Duckmarine that recently sank in Liverpool appear to have at least three regulators: VOSA and the traffic commissioners; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; and the Driving Standards Agency. Will the Secretary of State ask the accident investigators to consider whether this split regulation and split responsibility is the best way to guarantee public safety?

Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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Of course we are all very concerned about the incident that happened in Liverpool and I will talk to the inspectorate about it. A report is being prepared by the marine accident investigation branch. I will want to see what it says, and I shall take the point made by the hon. Lady as Chair of the Select Committee.