HC Deb 30 July 1971 vol 822 c193W
Miss Quennell

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes his Department has instituted in the standards required to be met by manufacturers of lifeboats since 1967.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The requirements for ships' lifeboats are set out in the Merchant Shipping (Life-saving Appliances Rules, 1965, which have not been amended in this respect. Interpretation of the Rules is subject to adaptation with the introduction of new materials and other developments but the standards have not changed.

Miss Quennell

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the names of all British boatbuilders, licensed by his Department, specialising in the construction of lifeboats for British ships, indicating which firms are solely engaged in this form of business.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Four firms licensed by the Department are understood to specialise:

  • Lambie (Wallsend) Ltd.
  • Hugh McLean & Sons Ltd.
  • Viking Marine Ltd. Watercraft Ltd.

I believe that none is engaged solely on the construction of lifeboats, though other production is in allied fields.