HC Deb 07 October 1942 vol 383 c1222
70. Mr. Molson

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the case that many men now serving at sea in the Royal Navy are unable to swim; whether men have been drowned when their ships have been sunk because they were unable to swim as far as the rescuing craft which were in the immediate vicinity; and whether he will take steps to require all officers and men serving at sea to learn to swim?

Mr. Alexander

There are a number of men at sea in the Royal Navy who are unable to swim. As regards the second part of the Question all men are provided with a life saving belt but of course a good swimmer has a much better chance of saving his life than an indifferent one. As regards the third part of the Question, all possible steps are taken to teach new entries to swim and to improve the swimming of the beginner. All available swimming baths are used to capacity and in establishments which are not provided with swimming baths, new entries, and particularly non-swimmers, are exercised in a water tank with the use of the life-saving belt. Opportunities are given whenever possible in sea-going ships for practising swimming and for the instruction of backward swimmers.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that every sailor in the German Navy can swim?