Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) on enabling older Category V passenger boats to improve their safety provisions without them being forced out of business as a result of the MCA’s proposals for older passenger boats.

As Minister responsible for shipping matters on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport, I have regular discussion with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) about its work.

Following the first consultation on these proposals (6 November 2018 to 29 January 2019) the MCA revised the proposals in the light of feedback received, particularly from owners and operators, to reduce the economic impact, where possible, without compromising the objective of enhanced safety. A further consultation was carried out between 29 May and 10 July 2019. A drop-in session was also held for Honourable Members to raise any concerns in May 2019.