HC Deb 22 July 1926 vol 198 cc1417-9
52. Mr. AMMON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the invention of the Schermuly pistol rocket apparatus; whether the apparatus has been submitted

for the years 1912 and 1913, and for the last six years?

Sir B. CHADWICK

I will answer these questions together, and, as the answer involves tables of figures, it will be circulated, should my hon. and gallant Friend agree, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

to any tests by the experts of his Department; whether it is proposed to adopt the same as part of the life-saving equipment for the coast-watching service; and whether he will recommend that all passenger and commercial vessels should be equipped with the apparatus?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)

My attention has been called to the invention to which the hon. Member refers, and arrangements have been made for the apparatus to be tested by His Majesty's Coastguard. The Board of Trade have issued a notice recommending that line-throwing appliances should be carried on merchant ships; but it is not the practice of the Department to recommend any particular proprietary appliance.