HC Deb 01 March 1928 vol 214 cc598-9
52. Mr. PALING

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is able to make any provision from public funds, or any voluntary funds at his disposal, for the widows arid dependants of the crew of the Grimsby trawler "Petrunia" which sank after collision with the Swedish steamer "Ylva" in the North Sea on 20th February last?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

I regret that there are no funds ad- ministered by the Board of Trade from which any grant could be made to the dependants of the fishermen who lost their lives in the collision to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. WOMERSLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he has instituted inquiries into the circumstances of the sinking of this vessel?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Yes, Sir, that question was answered yesterday or a day or two ago. Depositions are being taken, and when these depositions are received, we shall decide whether it is proper to order an inquiry.