§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions by what means his Department intends local authorities should control the use of(a) jet skis and (b) other powered boats in the vicinity of bathing beaches in the absence of a general registration system. [6951]
543W
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 7 July 1997]: As I said in my reply to the hon. Member for Southport (Mr. Fearn) on 27 June 1997 Official Report, column 672, local authorities already have powers to make byelaws to regulate seaside pleasure boats for the prevention of danger, obstruction or annoyance to persons bathing in the sea or using the seashore.
The safe use of recreation craft is promoted by the Coastguard Agency and other bodies including the Sea Safety Liaison Group established by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The Coastguard Agency is analysing the response to the consultative document it issued on "Non-legislative measures for the improvement of safety of non-regulated pleasure vessels".