§ 15. Mr. LOGANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the public inquiry into the loss of certain vessels is to include an inquiry into the loss of the steamship "Saxilby"; and, if not, whether he will state the reason why?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAs the hon. Member is aware the question of ordering a Formal Investigation into the circumstances attending the loss of the "Saxilby" in November, 1933, was carefully considered at the time of her loss. An inquiry was made by the Board's Technical Advisers and their conclusions, on the evidence available, were that the vessel was seaworthy, properly manned and well equipped, and that her loss was due to the exceptional weather she experienced. In these circumstances it was decided that no useful purpose would be served by ordering a Formal Investigation. The formal investigations ordered into the four recent losses will deal with the problems of safety involved.