§ 39. Mr. Adamsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the approved line-throwing apparatus, as proposed by the Merchant Shipping Act, 1937, for fishing vessels, has undergone practical tests under severe wind and weather conditions, and whether any standard degree of accuracy is enforced before being approved?
Mr. StanleyThe rule proposed contains a specification of an approved line-throwing apparatus, together with details of the tests to be made before approval. As this matter is at present under consideration by the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee, I will communicate with the hon. Member when I have received the committee's report.
§ Mr. AdamsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that where there is no standard laid down there is an opportunity for very big deviations from the general practice?
Mr. StanleyThese proposed tests were decided upon by me with the experience derived from the coastguard service. Any Amendment could, of course, be considered by this Advisory Committee, and I will bring the hon. Member's question to their notice.