HC Deb 14 May 1953 vol 515 c1412
45. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to see that all young persons training to go to sea learn to swim before taking their first job at sea.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The recruitment and appointment of men to the Merchant Navy is a matter for the shipping industry. While I myself would agree that it is in a seaman's own interest that he should be able to swim, I am not at the moment prepared to suggest to the industry that young men should be debarred from employment at sea unless they can swim.