§ Commander Pursey(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any statement to make on the loss of 10 fives in the Sea Scouts' whaler 948 "Wangle III" on 20th August in the English Channel, and whether he will appoint a public inquiry to investigate the disaster in order to prevent further loss of life from this kind of boat.
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Barnes)Yes, Sir. A preliminary inquiry into the loss of the whaler "Wangle III" is being held by one of my surveyors under the Merchant Shipping Acts. Until I have his report, I am not in a position to decide whether or not to order a formal investigation. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my deep sympathy with the relatives of those who lost their lives.