HC Deb 22 June 1938 vol 337 cc1084-6
87. Mr. Kirby

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to a boating accident in the River Mersey, near Widnes, on Sunday last when a man, four boys, and a girl lost their lives by drowning following the capsizing of a small passenger pleasure-boat; and what action is taken by way of inspections, annual or otherwise, to ensure that all passenger-boats used on such tidal rivers are in all respects seaworthy?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Cross)

My attention has already been drawn to this regrettable accident and I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my sympathy with the relatives of those who lost their lives. I am making certain inquiries, and I should prefer not to make any statement on the case at present. As regards the latter part of the question, every mechanically propelled passenger vessel plying or proceeding on an excursion and carrying more than 12 passengers is required by the Merchant Shipping Acts to be surveyed once at least in each year and to hold a passenger certificate issued by the Board of Trade. Under the Public Health Acts local authorities have power to license certain pleasure boats let for hire which do not hold a Board of Trade certificate.

Mr. Kirby

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at the inquest on these persons, which was held yesterday, the jury expressed the opinion that their deaths were very largely due to the absence of regulations in regard to the registration of such boats, and can I be told what steps the Government will take to ensure that these boats are registered?

Mr. Cross

I am making inquiries. I have not yet got full information, and I really cannot make any statement on the point until the information has been obtained.

Mr. Pilkington

Does my hon. Friend know whether this boat in particular was inspected recently, and further can he say when he hopes that these inquiries will be completed?

Mr. Cross

I have no information to the effect that the boat was inspected in the way indicated in my answer. At the same time, it is doubtful whether it is a boat which should have undergone any inspection.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Is it not common knowledge to the Department that, in fact, the annual survey does not take place in many of these cases?

Mr. Cross

I cannot say whether this is a boat that should be ranked as a pleasure boat or not.

Mr. Pilkington

Will the results of the inquiry be published?

Mr. Cross

No, I cannot give any undertaking.