HC Deb 13 February 1957 vol 564 c1252
19. Major Wall

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will make a statement regarding the result of his inquiry into the sinking of the oil barge "Stone Heath".

Mr. Watkinson

Since the inquiry which I ordered into the cause of this casualty, a case has been heard under the Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1955, by the magistrate's court. The owners pleaded guilty and were fined £200 with costs. In the circumstances, I do not propose to take any further action under the Merchant Shipping Acts.

Major Wall

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the R.S.P.C.A. has been compensated to any degree for the money which it spent in trying to save the swans?

Mr. Watkinson

I could not answer that question without notice.