HL Deb 21 July 1966 vol 276 cc540-1

3.7 p.m.

LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDAL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government when it is intended to introduce safety regulations for civil submersible vehicles.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, BOARD OF TRADE (LORD RHODES)

My Lords, if such vehicles were ships they would be subject to the Merchant Shipping Acts. The application of the Acts to such craft would need special consideration when the need arises.

LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDAL

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that Answer, may I ask whether he is aware that big developments in civil submersible vehicles are taking place; and can he assure the House that this country will be the first in the field in seeing that there are safety regulations available for such vehicles when produced and in use, in the same way as this country has led the world in seeing that there are adequate safety regulations for ships, mines and aircraft, and in many other directions? Especially is this important in view of the fact that we are a maritime nation and do not want to be behind other countries in this matter.

LORD RHODES

My Lords, yes. I have taken the Question as a helpful and a constructive one, and I went to considerable trouble to find out as much as I possibly could about this matter. We have not much evidence that anything of this sort is imminent, but if the noble Lord has any evidence at all I shall be pleased to receive it.

EARL ST. ALDWYN

My Lords, would the noble Lord tell us exactly what is a civil submersible vehicle?

LORD RHODES

My Lords, I think in that matter I had better call upon the noble Lord opposite.

LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDAL

My Lords, is the Minister aware that a civil submersible vehicle is a vehicle that goes into the water, and on the bed of the water as well? Submarines have been used in the oceans of the world for military purposes, but they are of no use at all for civil purposes. Since water covers two-thirds of the earth's surface, there is a great need for civil submersible vehicles to work for civil purposes in the oceans and on the bed of the oceans.

LORD RHODES

My Lords, I think the noble Lord will agree that if we pursue this subject much further we shall both get into deep water.