Bathing Fatalities

Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 18 November 1965.

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Photo of Mr Peter Bessell Mr Peter Bessell , Bodmin 12:00, 18 November 1965

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in view of the substantial increase in bathing fatalities, what measures he proposes in order to give warning to bathers in holiday resorts.

Photo of Sir Frank Soskice Sir Frank Soskice , Newport (Monmouthshire/Gwent)

Under Sections 231 and 233 of the Public Health Act 1936, local authorities have powers to make byelaws with reference to public bathing, including byelaws for the purpose of protecting bathers from danger.

Photo of Mr Peter Bessell Mr Peter Bessell , Bodmin

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is satisfied that the existing regulations are satisfactory and whether there is any further step that he proposes to take to ensure the safety of bathers in the future?

Photo of Sir Frank Soskice Sir Frank Soskice , Newport (Monmouthshire/Gwent)

A special national winter safety campaign was launched this year by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, and also in the same year a special circular went round from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government calling attention of local authorities to that campaign. I do not think at the moment that any further steps are necessary.