HL Deb 19 June 1974 vol 352 cc903-5
THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

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

The Question was as follows

: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will now implement the 1972 Report of the Society for Underwater Technology on diver training and performance standards.

THE MINISTER OF STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (LORD HUGHES)

My Lords, the Government welcome the continuing interest of the Society for Underwater Technology in this important aspect of underwater working. At the instigation of the Department of Employment, Working Parties are at present drawing up recommended standards for initial diving training to be evaluated by a pilot course in the autumn, and are studying the setting up of advanced underwater training facilities in the United Kingdom—both areas of concern to the Society. The Working Parties have drawn on the Society's Report and on its expertise.

THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that encouraging reply, so far as it goes, may I ask him whether he is aware that this Report has been lying on the table for two years? A year ago, the Government of the day said that they had it under active consideration. The speed has not been so great as we could have wished. But is the noble Lord aware that the existing Diving Operations Special Regulations 1960, presently covering diving standards at sea, refer only to the three-mile limit? Is there not a need for legislation covering diving standards further out to sea in the deep waters?

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, this Government took office only at the beginning of March, so we certainly cannot be charged with any dilatory action in this field. So far as the second part of the noble Lord's question is concerned, I have no doubt that when we receive the reports of the Working Party and the task force we shall be in a better position to decide what legislation, if any, may be necessary.

THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

My Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Lord for his answer, but can he add this information? Is there any project to make diving standards mandatory, seeing that the Navy's diving standards manual is only a set of recommendations? At present there is nothing to ensure that diving standards are maintained and enforced.

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, not at this stage.

LORD BLYTON

My Lords, is the Minister aware that the diving standards of H.M.S. "Dolphin" at Fort Blockhouse, where they teach diver training, are the most up-to-date in the world?

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, I was not so aware. But I am perfectly certain that what my noble friend has said is completely accurate.

THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

My Lords, is there any possibility of the Government's taking steps to make sure that divers are registered, the compulsory registration of divers having been one of the recommendations of that Report?

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, I must again ask the noble Earl to await the results of these reports.