Sub-aqua Divers (Safety)

HC Deb 06 December 1972 vol 847 cc1291-2

18. Mr. Laurance Reed

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will strengthen the safety measures for sub-aqua divers.

Mr. Griffiths

I have no evidence to suggest that the safety guidance issued by the British Sub-Aqua Club to its members is inadequate.

Mr. Reed

Bearing in mind that this is a rapidly growing sport, is my hon. Friend satisfied that there are sufficient decompression chambers available to meet the need?

Mr. Griffiths

I agree that not only on the sporting side but also because of oil exploration in the North Sea, many more people are going in for diving, and also that the larger cylinders tempt them to stay deeper for longer. There is a need for more decompression chambers. The Royal Navy provides a 24-hour cover, with helicopters, as needed, to take people to decompression.