§ Mr. DoverTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to introduce safety regulations relating to leisure craft following the deaths in Lyme bay. [2291]
§ Mr. Norris[holding answer 24 November 1995]: The Government have no plans to introduce national legislation for the compulsory regulation or registration of pleasure craft. The national marine safety steering committee concluded that a satisfactory system would be prohibitively difficult to devise and enforce. However, on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, the Health and Safety Commission is currently consulting interested parties on proposed regulations to implement the Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) Act 1995. The proposals would introduce a licensing scheme for certain adventure activity providers, including those using canoes and most sailing craft.