§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he is satisfied with the powers available to control the use of speed boats adjacent to bathing beaches; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he is aware of the death of a child living in the constituency of the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East when she was struck by a speed boat while bathing in a Welsh bay on 31st May; and what action he proposes to take directed to preventing a recurrence of similar accidents.
§ Mr. MaudlingI was distressed to learn of this tragic accident. Under Section 76 of the Public Health Act, 1961, local authorities have power to make bye-laws regulating the speed and navigation of pleasure boats in the interests of persons bathing in the sea or using the seashore. The exercise of these powers is a matter for individual local authorities. I am not aware that the powers are, in general, inadequate, but I shall keep them under review.