asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied with all the tests made on the Victory-type lifejacket.

Yes, Sir. This lifejacket was, of course, fully tested before it was permitted to be used on merchant ships, and further tests recently carried out have confirmed that it is very efficient.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that specialists, the Norwegian Government, and the evidence arising out of the loss of the "Samwater" all throw considerable doubt upon the efficacy of this lifejacket, which it is alleged has a tendency to raise the heels and submerge the head? Does he not think that it is a rather unsatisfactory posture with which to face the future?

On more than one occasion one has been confronted with a difference of opinion among the experts, but the majority of experts on this occasion appear to be satisfied with the tests, which have been thorough, and that the equipment is efficient.

Mr. E. P. Smith:

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we are all very dissatisfied with the Victory-type strait-jacket?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what will be the position if the life of a Norwegian is lost as a result of this jacket, in view of the fact that the Norwegian Government refuse to accept it as being satisfactory?

I could not say what the attitude would be.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider issuing regulations to compel all British ships to carry breeches-buoy apparatus for saving life.

No: Sir, the breeches-buoy must be worked from the shore, but all sea-going ships of 80 tons gross and over, and all fishing boats of 50 feet or more in length are required by the Merchant Shipping (Life Saving Appliances) Rules to carry an approved type of line throwing appliance.