§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to prohibit the organisation of offshore swimming events without the approval of the safety arrangements by the coastguards.
§ Dr. SummerskillNo. But we will consider what can be done to encourage the organisers of such events to seek advice from appropriate sources such as Her Majesty's Coastguard.
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to improve safety on beaches; and whether he will introduce legislation to make it an offence to ignore official warnings of danger to swimmers and authorise official beach patrols to prevent people going into the sea in dangerous conditions.
§ Dr. SummerskillSafety on beaches is primarily the responsibility of the local authorities, which have powers under the Public Health Acts to make appropriate byelaws. In a few areas the conduct in question is already an offence under local Acts. Whether general legislation is required will be one of the matters for consideration when the Working Party on Water Safety reports.