HC Deb 22 October 1940 vol 365 c926
22. Miss Rathbone

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is satisfied that the compulsory supply of lights on rafts as well as boats, so that in the event of wreck they may be found by rescuing craft and by men in the water, has been generally carried into effect; whether the supply of watertight electric torches attached to life-jackets to facilitate the finding of men in the water has been further considered; and whether such lights are now required to be provided?

The Minister of Shipping (Mr. Cross)

I have no reason to suppose that the lights which are now obligatory on rafts and boats are not being supplied by owners. I recently arranged for lifejacket lights to be supplied to all members of crews of merchant ships owned or managed by the Ministry, and the question of requiring such lights to be supplied generally will be decided when experience is available as to their utility.

Miss Rathbone

Would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to make inquiries as to whether these provisions are, in fact, being carried out, because I have heard disquieting rumours to the contrary?

Mr. Cross

I think the position is satisfactory. I have had no reports that lights are not fitted to rafts, with one or two isolated exceptions, and it is not possible in present conditions to arrange for the Ministry's shipping surveyors to make a full survey into this particular matter.