§ Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that the chances of survival of a shipwrecked sailor depend largely upon the provision of signal devices, fresh water, and protection from cold when in the lifecraft; what experiments have taken place in the use of such devices to protect seamen; and what steps are being taken to instal them in all life-craft on ocean-going vessels.
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes. My Department takes a close interest in all new developments of life-saving devices. Many different experiments have been carried out. Fresh water and signalling devices are carried in all lifeboats and in inflatable liferafts. The special virtue of the liferaft, with its canopy, is the protection it gives against exposure.