HC Deb 15 October 1940 vol 365 cc575-6
11. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Minister of Shipping what steps are taken to ensure that the crews of vessels in British ports are given practice in the handling of ships' boats between voyages so as to ensure efficient handling of the ship's boat in case of emergency at sea?

Sir A. Salter

The peace-time requirements in regard to musters and drills of crews were supplemented in July last by the Merchant Shipping (Additional Life Saving Appliances) (No. 2) Rules, 1940, which require such drills to be held in ships, at intervals of not more than one week, for exercising the crew in the practical use of the life saving appliances. One such drill is to be held before the ship leaves port or before reaching the open sea, unless the Master is reasonably satisfied that the crew has received proper training in the use of the life saving appliances by means of previous drills in that ship.

Mr. Gibson

Can the hon. Gentleman say what steps are taken by his Department to see that these exercises are taken, and is he aware that there is evidence of the inability on the part of the ships' crews to lower the boats during an emergency at sea?

Sir A. Salter

I have no information on that point, but as regards the suggestion made by the hon. and learned Member that the exercises should take place between voyages—that is, on land—the official view is that it is better to have the exercises on the ship itself, as the present rules provide.

Mr. Shinwell

Was there not a recent case in which a ship was torpedoed and the only person capable of handling the ship's lifeboats was a boy of 18?

Sir A. Salter

I have heard of no such case.

Mr. Shinwell

Does the hon. Gentleman suggest that the reports which have appeared in the Press are not correct and that these reports have not come to the mind of the Ministry of Shipping?

Sir A. Salter

Possibly they are correct, but if the hon. Member has the name of the ship and would give it to me, he would help me.