§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will consider introducing general legislation to limit the speed of high-powered speedboats and small craft in harbours and upon public inland waterways and lakes;
(2) if he will consider introducing general legislation to prohibit the running of speedboats or other high-powered small craft in harbours and upon public inland waterways and lakes by young persons under the age of 16 years.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsUnder Section 76 of the Public Health Act, 1961 local authorities may make byelaws regulating the speed of pleasure boats so as to prevent danger, obstruction or annoyance to persons bathing in the sea or using the seashore. Under the same section, local authorities may also regulate the use of pleasure boats so as to prevent their navigation in a dangerous manner or without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons. I have no evidence at present that these powers need to be extended to inland waters as a whole or that special66W restrictions are necessary for young persons under the age of sixteen, but these matters will be kept under review in consultation with other interested Departments.