§ 42. Mr. Fellasked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement upon the recent disaster which befell the British Railways ferry steamer "Duke of York."
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes, Sir. As hon. Members will know, the British Railways passenger steamer "Duke of York" coming on her usual voyage from the Hook of Holland to Harwich last Wednesday morning, came into collision with the United States steamer "Haiti Victory" about 40 miles off Harwich. The "Duke of York" was carrying 437 passengers and a crew of 72 and, in spite of the remarkable success of the rescue arrangements, I regret to say that five passengers lost their lives. Two more have still to be accounted for. The House will, I am sure, wish me to express its deep sympathy with the relatives of these passengers. A preliminary inquiry under the Merchant Shipping Acts has been ordered and we are in touch with the United States authorities with a view to securing that the fullest information shall be available.
§ Mr. FellThe Minister will have the support of the whole House in his expression of sympathy to the relatives of those who lost their lives. May I ask if he is aware there will be much concern that there has been two recent disasters to British Railways passenger vessels, particularly in view of the availability of the 867 latest electronic communication equipment? In view of the common features of these two disasters, will the Minister consider instituting an inquiry into the whole field of the use of modern communications for safety of life at sea?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI cannot understand how my hon. Friend regards these disasters as having common features. One, which led to appalling loss of life, was due to the wild seas. The other was a collision with a ship owned by the Government of a friendly Power, and I would deprecate any quick decision now as to where lies the responsibility in the second case. I have announced that there is to be a preliminary inquiry, and I would remind my hon. Friend that for a long time there was sitting an International Conference on safety at sea. I consider that any further international discussion would not be the answer.
§ Mr. FellMy right hon. Friend will appreciate that in spite of this International Conference there have been a large number or, at least, quite a number of collisions at sea, in spite of the use of the latest electronic equipment. Would he at least consider the importance of looking further into the matter of the use of electronic equipment for the safety of life at sea?