Miss Rathboneasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is satisfied that all devices necessary to facilitate the rescue of seamen on life-boats or rafts or struggling in the water, such as the 1229W attachment of coloured lights, the provision of the right kind of clothing and emergency rations, are provided on all merchant ships, including the smallest; whether such provision is now made compulsory; and will he make public the main facts as to the minimum requirements in these respects so that seamen may know to what they are entitled?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI am satisfied from reports received from Ministry surveyors that action is taken by owners to meet the requirements of life-saving appliances in merchant ships, as promptly and adequately as the available supplies permit. It is necessary, however, that oceangoing vessels should have priority for new devices, since their need is evidently greater than that of the smaller ships. Some of the requirements do not apply to small ships. War-time rules and requirements have been consolidated in a new code of rules, made by the Ministry under statute. This code includes a number of new compulsory requirements; it will come into operation on 10th August. It is being published by the Stationery Office as a Statutory Rule and Order. I will send a copy to the hon. Lady. My Noble Friend has constantly endeavoured, and will continue to endeavour, by means of Press notices, official publications and public exhibitions, to make the requirements known to all sections of the shipping industry and to the general public.