§ Dr. A. Thompsonasked the Minister of Transport on what international bodies concerned with safety at sea he is represented; what reports he has received of international studies comparing the efficiency of civilian and naval safety methods; and whether he will suggest such investigations to the international agencies concerned.
§ Mr. MarplesThe principal international body concerned with safety at sea is the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO) which was set up by the United Nations. The United Kingdom is a member of this Organisation and my Department plays a full part in all its work.
I know of no international studies specifically directed to comparing the efficiency of civilian and naval safety methods. But my Department is in close touch with the Admiralty in this field and I know that similar co-operation exists in other countries.
§ Dr. A. Thompsonasked the Minister of Transport to what extent civilian shipping authorities are in touch with new life-saving techniques and equipment used by the Royal Navy; and what research and study takes place as to the 132W applicability of naval methods to civilian ships.
§ Mr. MarplesMy Department is represented on the Naval Life Saving Committee and is thus in close touch with naval life saving appliances and techniques. Any new equipment which appears to be suitable for use in merchant ships with or without modifications, is subjected to joint testing by the Admiralty and the Ministry of Transport.
§ Dr. A. Thompsonasked the Minister of Transport whether he will study the possibility of using the Shat davit for lifeboats on civilian ships.
§ Mr. MarplesShat davits have been used on British merchant ships for a number of years. Various designs have been approved by my Department and many ships are fitted with one or other of these.
§ Dr. A. Thompsonasked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied that civilian ships at present carry a sufficient number of inflatable life-rafts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarplesThe position is complicated, because a number of different classes of ship are involved. My Department's current rules and recommendations about the carriage of inflatable life-rafts by various classes of merchant ship are contained in the Merchant Shipping (Life-saving Appliances) Rules, 1958, and Merchant Shipping Notice No. M.419, of which I am sending the hon. Member copies. The situation will wholly be covered by mandatory rules when the 1960 Safety Convention comes into force