§ 17. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Minister of Labour whether he will now announce when new dock regulations will be introduced.
§ Mr. CarrI regret I am not yet in a position to make a statement. My officers have had useful discussions with representatives of the Dock and Harbour Authorities Association and British Transport Commission, but the practical problems involved are extremely complicated and must be examined further in collaboration with those concerned.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the dock authorities were seriously criticised in the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords for more than nine months because of their noncompliance with existing regulations? Is he further aware that a small number of men are being drowned every year because adequate provision for saving life is not made; and will the hon. Gentleman get a move on in this matter?
§ Mr. CarrWe are anxious to get a move on. One of the troubles is that the more closely we look into the matter and the more evidence we have brought to our notice, the more clear it becomes that the provision of additional vertical ladders and hanging chains would not be the best way to ensure safety. New regulations, apart from the doubt whether they would have much effect, might do more harm than good.