§ 3. Mr. KELLYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether an inquiry is to be held into the sinking of the Downs lights vessel which had temporarily taken the place of the "Gull" lights vessel and which resulted in loss of the life of the master?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERPreliminary inquiries are being made into this case and some depositions from the survivors of the lightship and from the "City of York" have been received. 2230 Further depositions are being obtained. I am not yet able to say whether a formal investigation will be necessary.
§ Mr. KELLYWill the right hon. Gentleman make that fact known? I would certainly like to have the knowledge whether an investigation is to take place.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, Sir. There is always a formal announcement of an investigation, if there is to be one.
§ Mr. KELLYI want to represent the master, and I would like to have the information sent on to me if the Board of Trade decide upon an investigation.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI will make a note of that. I do not know in the least whether it will be necessary to have an investigation, but, if an investigation should be decided upon and the hon. Member will give my secretary notice as to where he will be during the holidays, I will have a reply sent to him.