HC Deb 27 January 1955 vol 536 cc426-7
Major Wall

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make a statement about the reported loss of the Hull trawlers "Roderigo" and "Lorella."

The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (Mr. Heathcoat Amory)

It is with very great regret that I have to inform the House that nothing has been heard of these two Hull trawlers since yesterday afternoon and there is little hope that they can have survived a gale of hurricane force with heavy snow and hard frost off the North coast of Iceland. No survivors have been found, though search by air and sea is continuing.

I am sure that the sympathies of the whole House will go out to the families of the officers and crews numbering 40 men in their grave anxieties.

Without as yet giving up all hope, I can only fear that yet another tragedy has been added to the grim toll of loss suffered again this winter by our fishing fleets.

Major Wall

I thank my right hon. Friend for that statement, and particularly for the assurance that the search is still continuing, even though there is little hope. I should like to associate myself with his expression of sympathy, which, I am sure, will be echoed by all hon. Members and will be much appreciated in the homes of the missing men.

Mr. Amory

I know that the whole House appreciates the debt that we feel to our fishermen for the hazards they so cheerfully accept in their service to the nation.

Mr. Bellenger

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to let the matter rest with that expression of condolence? In these days, when science has done so much to remedy or alleviate the acts of the elements, is his Department going to make any investigation, so that, if possible, these occurrences can be avoided in the future?

Mr. Amory

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation has arranged for the appropriate inquiries under the Merchant Shipping Acts.

Mr. Champion

I should like to associate hon. Members on this side of the House with the expression of sympathy with the relatives of those who appear to have been lost while following this great calling of the fisherman.