§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what equipment is carried by tankers and other vessels in collision with tankers carrying inflammable liquids under the Merchant Shipping (Life Saving Appliances) Rules, 1965, that will adequately protect seamen against fire, particularly when the conflagration likely to ensue will envelop instantaneously life boats provided.
§ Mr. OnslowFor fire hazards ships require fire appliances in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) Rules, 1965. Cargo ships of 4,000 gross tons and over and all passenger ships must also have structural fire protection. It is extremely difficult to guard against the effects of a flash fire of the kind envisaged but fire safety on tankers is to be further discussed at a meeting of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation in January in which the United Kingdom will be playing a leading part.