§ 88. Sir N. Hulbertasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when he proposes to issue further regulations for the compulsory carrying of inflatable life-rafts on passenger and cargo ships.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am now preparing regulations requiring the carriage of inflatable life-rafts in cross channel passenger ships, in cargo ships engaged on coastal and short international voyages and in sea-going tugs and other small seagoing craft. I am also recommending that inflatable life-rafts be carried by ocean-going dry cargo ships in addition to their existing life-saving appliances, pending revision of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1948.
116WThese proposals have been discussed in detail with shipowners, ship-builders and seafarers, who are all in agreement. I am grateful to all concerned for their ready co-operation in these measures, which will improve still further the good safety record of our ships.
§ Captain Kerbyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will amend the Merchant Shipping (Lifesaving Appliances) Rules, 1952, so as to include the Gaskin lifeboat and life-raft within the terms of the existing regulations.
§ Mr. WatkinsonOn the information I have at present I do not consider that I should be justified in amending the Merchant Shipping (Lifesaving Appliances) Rules, 1952, to permit of this design being used as a lifesaving appliance.
§ Captain Kerbyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why he has not yet granted an Al certificate to the Gaskin lifeboat and liferaft after repeated tests over a period of twenty-one years.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am not at present satisfied that this design would comply with requirements for lifeboats so far as strength, stability, buoyancy and manœuvrability are concerned. I have already indicated that I should be pleased to examine this problem further if detailed drawings are submitted and a prototype made available for tests.
§ Captain Kerbyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why he has approved the inflated rubber life-raft but not the Gaskin life-raft.
§ Mr. WatkinsonInflatable life-rafts which are approved for use under the Merchant Shipping (Lifesaving Appliances) (Amendment) Rules, 1956, can be thrown overboard and inflated ready for boarding in a matter of seconds and give protection out of the water and under cover. From such information as I have the Gaskin life-raft appears more comparable to a lifeboat, and I am not satisfied that it complies with the statutory requirements.