HC Deb 11 May 1953 vol 515 cc865-6
29. Captain Ryder

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied that existing regulations for the construction of passenger ships provide for adequate precautions against fire; and whether he will take steps to require greater use of incombustible materials in their construction.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The existing rules which prescribe the structural precautions to be taken against fire in passenger ships give effect to the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea, 1948, which come into operation on 19th of November last. The Rules require a very high degree of protection against fire, and I am satisfied that it is not necessary to require any greater use of incombustible materials in the construction of British ships than is required by these Rules.

Captain Ryder

Is it not a fact that British ships rely largely in the sprinkler system, which can suffer from defects and damage and be switched off or drained down for repair at a time when it may be needed? Would my right hon. Friend say whether the sprinkler system fitted in the Danish ship the "Kronprins Frederik" was in fact satisfactory?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I would hestitate to answer about an individual case. This is one of three methods prescribed by the International Convention, and I must remind my hon. and gallant Friend that one of the most disastrous of all ship fires took place in a ship ostensibly constructed of incombustible material.

Sir R. Glyn

Will my right hon. Friend consult a committee of the Shipping Council and the Shipbuilders Association in regard to any improvements to the last Convention in regard to this matter, if recent evidence indicates that reforms are necessary?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Both those important bodies know how to get into touch with me but, if they do not, I will get into touch with them.

Mr. Bowles

Has the Minister received the report of the inquiry into the burning out of the "Empress of Canada"?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Not yet, but as the hon. Gentleman knows the "Empress of Canada," being an old ship, was not fitted with sprinklers, so it does not really arise on this point.