§ 25. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that during the last 10 years 11,600 people in this country have been drowned; and if he will take steps to give publicity to the dangers of boating and swimming by inexperienced persons in the sea and in rivers.
§ Mr. CorfieldMy right hon. Friend is aware of the figures. Publicity on this subject is best undertaken by organisations such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, and we welcome its national water safety campaign.
§ Mr. WainwrightIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that insufficient is being done? Does he know that one-third of the figures represent young people, boys and girls? Will not he have further consultations with the National Water Safety Campaign Committee and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to ensure that more publicity—more than is being done now—is given to prevent the loss of life?
§ Mr. CorfieldThe local authorities concerned with beaches and rivers are very conscious of their responsibilities and are doing what they can, but we will certainly bear in mind the hon. Member's suggestion and consult with the people he has mentioned.
§ Mr. WainwrightDoes the hon. Gentleman not realise that insufficient is 223 being done? Lives are being lost. Surely the Government should take over some of the responsibility and help local authorities and other organisations to reduce the number of lives lost through drowning?