§ 53. Sir W. Wakefieldasked the Minister of Transport if, in view of recent accidents on Lake Windermere, he will make rules obliging speedboats towing one or more water-skiers on a public waterway to carry both a mirror and a passenger for observation purposes, in order that the person steering the boat may give his undivided attention to where he is going.
§ Mr. HayMy hon. Friend's suggestions are for consideration, in the light of local circumstances, by the authorities responsible for these waterways. The Windermere Urban District Council has applied for an Order in Council to give effect to amending Rules governing navigation on the Lake. Objections have been lodged, and my right hon. Friend is arranging a public inquiry.
§ Sir W. WakefieldWill the Parliamentary Secretary take note that it is rather a frightening thing when someone in a rowing-boat finds a speedboat charging at him with the driver looking at the water skier behind him instead of looking where he is going? Will he take note that there is a great public anxiety at what is at present happening on Windermere and other lakes, and take steps accordingly in order that accidents may be prevented?
§ Mr. HayI shall certainly see that the points mentioned by my hon. Friend are brought to the attention of the Windermere Urban District Council, and it may be that that council will wish to modify its proposals to take account of them. But these are matters for the council, in the first place.