HC Deb 12 April 1965 vol 710 cc152-3W
Dr. Bennett

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that in the absence of a decision on standards for lifejackets, British manufacturers cannot provide such equipment in time for the coming into force of the International Convention on 26th May next; that new equipment supplied now may be rendered obsolete by the decision, when it is reached, thus adding to the expense of re-equipment; and if he will now announce his decision on these standards.

Mr. Mason

In my Answer to the hon. Member of 23rd March I said that the testing of lifejackets was proceeding as rapidly as possible. A specification has now been agreed and the prototype of a standard lifejacket is being tested. Officials of the Board will be discussing the question of production with manufacturers very shortly. The introduction of the new type of lifejacket will necessarily be phased over a period to take account of the need to alter stowage arrangements in ships, of manufacturing capacity and of the supply of materials.