HC Deb 09 April 1940 vol 359 cc444-5
14 and 15. Mr. Adamson

asked the Minister of Shipping (1) whether the provision of extra rafts on board the decks of merchant ships has been put in operation during the war period; and if consideration has been given to placing automatic lights on all rafts, so as to enable them to be visible at night during darkness;

(2) whether the installation of lifebelt automatic lights has been adopted for the safety of the crews of merchant ships for the war period, so as to minimise the loss of life at sea during the hours of darkness?

Mr. R. S. Hudson

Under the Merchant Shipping (Additional Lifesaving Appliances) Rules, 1940, which came into effect on the 8th March, it is compulsory for all seagoing ships, engaged on voyages within European waters, to carry approved buoyant apparatus sufficient to support all persons on board. Each unit of apparatus is required to be fitted with an approved self-igniting light. Active steps are being taken, in conjunction with manufacturers, with a view to the early production of lights suitable for attachment to life-jackets.

Miss Rathbone

Has consideration been given to the possibility of fixing, on the lifebelts, lights of a different colour from those on the rafts, so that sailors struggling in the water may be distinguished from the lights on the rafts?

Mr. Hudson

These questions are being considered by a committee at the present time.