HC Deb 09 June 1971 vol 818 cc345-6W
Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what regulations are used to ensure safe working practices for divers both in deep sea and civil engineering operations; and how they are enforced;

(2) how many deaths and accidents have been reported to the Department occurring to divers working in both deep sea diving and civil engineering operations in each of the last five years.

Mr. John Davies

Diving operations on premises within the Factories Act, such as docks, wharves, quays, as well as work in connection with shipbuilding, ship- repairing, building operations and works of engineering construction are covered by the Diving Operations Special Regulations, 1960. Present regulations do not cover deep sea diving, but I would be prepared to consider any representations which the hon. Member wished to make. Separate figures for accidents and deaths as a result of diving operations are not available.