§ 28. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that, out of a total of 834 drowning accidents in England and Wales in 1964, 103 occurred in Lancashire, 84 in Yorkshire and 57 in London; and whether he will call for a -eport from these counties as to the action taken by them following his Circular No. 52/65.
§ Mr. MacCollMy right hon. Friend is aware of these figures and has made it clear that he wants local authorities to take all necessary steps to prevent drowning accidents. It is less than a year since Circular 52/65 was issued and he does not think he would be justified, on the 1964 statistics, in asking local authorities to submit special reports.
§ Sir B. JannerIs my hon. Friend not aware that the very serious incidence of drowning could be avoided to a considerable extent if the precautions were taken which the Government want taken, and those which are indicated, particularly in this circular? Will he make public the fact that such steps should be taken by every county and every authority?
§ Mr. MacCollThe Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has set up a National Water Safety Committee, with which the Government are associated. It is the job of that Committee to try to co-ordinate activities.
§ Mr. TurtonIn defence of Yorkshire and Lancashire, will the hon. Gentleman realise that they have a coastline, whereas London has not?