HC Deb 14 March 1939 vol 345 cc209-11
44. Mr. Logan

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that during a gale last Wednesday, the Crosby lightship, which guides shipping into the Mersey, broke adrift from its moorings, and drifted for more than half a mile before it was anchored near Formby; and whether he will have inquiry made into the matter with a view to ensuring that all possible precautions will be taken against the recurrence of such an incident, having regard to the safety of the lightship's crew, and the protection of shipping?

Mr. Stanley

I am informed that the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board have held an inquiry. The breaking adrift of the Crosby light vessel in the strong westerly gale of 8th March was due to the working out of the locking pin in the nut of the swivel pin in the chain cable which moored the vessel; this has never been known to happen before in connection with any of their lightships. Additional precautions are being taken to prevent a recurrence of such an accident.

Mr. Logan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this lightship has no motive power of its own, and that the men on board were powerless; and is he taking any action, in view of the possibility of further accident, to see that the vessel has proper motive power?

Mr. Stanley

That is quite a different point. The action taken is to see that this particular breaking loose does not recur.

Mr. Logan

I understand that inquiries have been made and that an investigation has taken place, and I want to know what precautionary measures are being taken in order, in the event of an accident occurring again, as it very well may, to protect the seamen who have to manage the vessel.

Mr. Stanley

The hon. Member will realise that it is not under the authority of the Board of Trade. It is indirectly under the control of Trinity House, and I will certainly make inquiries of them as to the point he has raised.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Surely the Board of Trade must accept responsibility for the fixing of mooring swivels? If a mooring swivel fails, it endangers not only the ship but the lives of the crew in the ship. Will the right hon. Gentleman take some action to see that any defect is remedied?

Mr. Stanley

I do not think that at Question Time I could explain the exact relationship of my Department to the various lighthouse commissioners, but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, it is really confined to passing their annual budgets. I will certainly take this matter up with them.

Mr. Logan

May I call the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that this lightship is a guide to the western ocean, and that, if it is not there, there is likely to be danger to the Port of Liverpool?

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