39. Dr. Bennettasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, by delaying ratification of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1960 in respect of specifications for life saving appliances, he is frustrating the manufacture of these appliances and preventing what has hitherto been a thriving export trade; and if he will accede to this Convention forthwith and lay down firm specifications for these appliances.
§ Mr. MasonThe International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1960, was ratified by Her Majesty's Government on 11th June, 1964. The Convention does not, however, come into force until 26th May, 1965. Before that date I shall lay before Parliament various sets of statutory rules to give effect to the provisions of the Convention and these will include specifications for life-saving appliances.