Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the President of the Board of Trade how many accidents to lifeboats have occurred in each of the past 10 years; how many of these accidents have involved the capsizing of the vessels; and what machinery of administration is provided for reviewing the construction of these vessels.
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§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsApart from the recent accident to the Fraserburgh lifeboat, two accidents have occurred to Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboats in the last 10 years; one in 1969 (Longhope) and the other in 1962 (Seaham); both boats capsized. The design and construction of the institution's lifeboats are kept under constant review by its qualified consultants and its own naval architects' department in order to keep pace with technical developments.
Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will sponsor a study by a suitably qualified research organisation into the construction and stability of lifeboats.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsThe construction and stability of lifeboats operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution are, I understand, fully investigated by the institution's consultant naval architects and its own naval architects' department at all stages of development, design and construction. I am willing, however, to consider in conjunction with the R.N.L.I. whether there would be any benefit in adopting the hon. Member's suggestion.