HC Deb 16 November 1955 vol 546 cc387-91
8 and 59. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) what regulations are now in force governing the construction, safety and sea-

  1. (1) Following Statutes and Regulations are relevant:
    1. (1) Construction
    2. (2) Safety
      • The Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances) Rules, 1952.
      • The Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) Rules, 1952.
      • The Merchant Shipping (Masters) Rules, 1952.
      • The Merchant Shipping Act, 1894 (s. 413) as amended by the Merchant Shipping (Fishing Boats) Order, 1948.
    3. (3) Seaworthiness
  2. (2) Following are the details of inspections carried out:

TABLE A
Type of Inspection Year Number Result
General inspections … … 1951 28 All 28 required action to bring safety equipment to required standard. In 6 cases vessels were detained and the owners or skippers prosecuted.
1952 81 38 satisfactory, 43 required action; 3 vessels were detained and in 2 cases the owner or skipper was prosecuted.
1953 100 51 satisfactory, 49 required action.
1954 136 116 satisfactory, 20 required action; 3 vessels were detained and in 2 cases the owner and/or skipper was prosecuted.
1955 (to 30th September) 94 79 satisfactory, 15 required action.

worthiness of ships in the Aberdeen fishing fleet; and what steps are taken to enforce them;

(2) if he will specify the number, kind and results of inspections by Government inspectors of ships of the Aberdeen fishing fleet during each of the last five years.

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the statutes and Regulations involved. As their enforcement is secured by inspection by my Department's surveyors, I am also circulating details of the inspections carried out and their results.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister aware that I am much obliged to him for that comprehensive Answer? Does he agree that, on the analogy of the Regulations which govern the construction, safety and road-worthiness of motor cars, similar regulations should be punctiliously enforced in the case of ships, in the interest of crews and all concerned?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I think that when the hon. and learned Member has a chance to study the details with reference to the inspections which I am circulating in HANSARD, he will be satisfied that an effective effort of enforcement is made.

Following is the list:

Type of inspection Year Number Result
Survey of safety Equipment (at owner's request) (Navigational lights, sound signal apparatus and life saving and fire appliances). 1951 40 40 certificates issued.
1952 30 30 certificates issued.
1953 107 107 certificates issued.
1954 83 83 certificates issued.
1955 (to 30th September) 46 46 certificates issued.
Inspections arising from crew complaints (Life saving appliances (*); accommodation (†); winch guard (‡)) 1951 3*† All four complaints justified and remedial action taken.
1†
-
4
-
1952 3* 2 complaints justified and remedial action taken.
1953 1*† Both complaints justified and remedial action taken.
1†
-
2
-
1954 1*† 5 complaints justified and remedial action taken.
6†
-
7
-
1955 (to 30th September) 1† All four complaints justified and remedial action taken.
1‡
2*†
-
4
-
Inspections in dry dock and for seaworthiness 1951 6 2 no action required; 2 vessels required repairs and 2 were eventually scrapped.
1952 10 2 no action required; 6 vessels required repairs and 2 were eventually scrapped.
1953 21 9 no action required; 10 vessels required repairs and 2 were eventually scrapped.
1954 15 8 no action required; 3 vessels required repairs and 4 were eventually scrapped.
1955 (to 30th September) 4 2 no action required; 2 vessels eventually scrapped.
Inspections of coal on deck 1951 14 4 satisfactory, 10 required remedial action.
1952 24 16 satisfactory, 8 required remedial action.
1953 19 12 satisfactory, 7 required remedial action.
1954 36 30 satisfactory, 6 required remedial action.
1955 (to 30th September) 20 All satisfactory.
Inspections of pumping arrangements. 1951 — Inspections were not instituted until the beginning of 1954.
1952 —
1953 —
1954 29 20 satisfactory, 9 required remedial action.
1955 (to 30th September) 12 All satisfactory.
Inspections of radiotelephony and radiotelegraphy. 1951 142 51 required further attention.
1952 283 43 required further attention.
1953 163 16 required further attention.
1954 172 16 required further attention.
1955 (to 30th September) 109 7 required further attention.
TABLE B
INSPECTIONS ARISING OUT OF CASUALTIES
Type of Inspection Year Result
1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 (to 30th Sept.)
(a) Machinery 2 1 4 6 4 Satisfactory repairs carried out in 50 cases and 2 owners prosecuted for deficiencies in life saving appliances. One vessel scrapped.
(b) Hull 6 8 5 5 3
(c) Life saving appliances 1 1 — 3 —
(d) Inspections arising out of loss of life. 1 1 — — —
Totals 10 11 9 14 7
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