§ 21. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what experiments or tests have been made into the use of inflated dinghies or life-rafts for the saving of life at sea; and if he will make it compulsory for ships to carry such life-saving apparatus.
§ Mr. WatkinsonExtensive trials of inflatable life-rafts have been carried out by my Department and the Admiralty, and I have approved the use of these rafts in both merchant ships and fishing boats. I am in process of making Regulations requiring their carriage in a wide range of fishing boats. Their compulsory carriage in merchant ships is for further consideration and, in part, depends on amendment of the 1948 International Conventions for the Safety of Life at Sea. Her Majesty's Government have already proposed this amendment to all signatories of the Convention. In the meantime, I have the matter under active review with the shipping industry, and I am glad to say that many ships are being voluntarily equipped with this apparatus.
§ Mr. AwberyWill the Minister press for a change of attitude of the convention of 1948 so that these dinghies can be used, in view of the fact that the senior officers of his Department are satisfied that it is necessary to use dinghies and that they can save life at sea?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI agree with the hon. Gentleman and will certainly do what I can to increase their use.