§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will issue guidelines to local authorities in Wales with regard to the need to ensure the safety of swimmers on bathing beaches from the dangers caused by(a) jet skis and (b) other fast pleasure boats; and if he will make a statement. [6952]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsMy right hon. Friend has no immediate plans to issue such guidelines. Local authorities have powers under section 76 of the Public Health Act 1961 to regulate seaside pleasure boats for the prevention of danger, obstruction or annoyance to persons bathing in the sea or using the seashore, and for the prevention and suppression of nuisances. An inter-departmental working party is undertaking a review of byelaw powers for the coast, and a discussion paper was issued in Wales in February 1997, in parallel with a similar exercise in England. We shall be considering whether existing powers are adequate as part of this review.