§ Dr. John Dunwoodyasked the President of the Board of Trade what additional measures to protect holidaymakers are proposed as a result of recommendations made at the public inquiry into the "Darlwin" disaster.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuIn January this year I wrote to all the local authorities, harbour authorities and river authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, asking for their co-operation in enforcement of the law relating to small pleasure craft and also offering them the Board's full co-operation. Substantial increases in the penalties for offences in connection with passenger ships have been introduced in the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Act, 1967. Penalties for breach of local authorities' regulations relating to pleasure craft have been increased by the Criminal Justice Bill. Proposals for examination and licensing of the crews of small passenger vessels are being prepared. The Board of Trade's professional staff engaged on enforcement work in this field has been increased. Other proposals are being examined.
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§ Dr. John Dunwoodyasked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the result of the consideration given to the introduction of an easily recognisable safety symbol to be displayed on seagoing pleasure boats as a guarantee to the holidaymakers of high standards of maintenance and seamanship.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuWe have reluctantly concluded that such an arrangement, although attractive, would cause serious legal and practical difficulties. We are considering, however, ways of making the display of the statutory passenger certificate more effective, thus achieving some of the psychological advantages of a safety symbol.