HC Deb 08 December 1959 vol 615 cc228-9
Lady Tweedsmuir

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement about the loss of the Aberdeen trawler "George Robb".

The Minister of Transport (Mr. Ernest Marples)

This trawler went ashore in wild weather near Duncansby Head about midnight on 6th December. The 12 men on board must, I am afraid, be presumed lost.

I have ordered a preliminary inquiry into this casualty under the Merchant Shipping Acts.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland joins me in extending our deepest sympathy to the relatives of those on board.

Lady Tweedsmuir

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that statement, may I say that I am sure that all hon. Members would wish to be associated with the expression of sympathy for the relatives? I am also sure that Aberdeen would like to pay tribute to the courage of those engaged in the rescue operations in fearful conditions, especially when we have just heard that in another operation the Broughty Ferry lifeboat has gone down with all hands.

I should like to ask my right hon. Friend what practical assistance can be given to the relatives of those concerned; whether the inquiry will be held in public; and whether, in view of the widespread belief in Aberdeen that in another 10 minutes the ship would have cleared the Heads, the inquiry will take account of the length of notice of gale warning, and what equipment this newly rebuilt trawler had at her command?

Mr. Marples

As is traditional in these cases, this inquiry is not made public, but, if necessary, afterwards it is possible to go on to a further stage; but I would rather await the report of the preliminary inquiry. I should like to go into the question of assistance to relatives, but I share my hon. Friend's concern about this matter.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Does the Minister realise that, while we are all filled with horror and sympathy because of this terrible tragedy, sympathy is not enough? Will he tell us what practical steps he or his Department will take to look after the dependants of those lost breadwinners?

Mr. Marples

I think that one must find out the full circumstances before one makes a statement in answer to that question.

Mr. G. M. Thomson

As the hon. Lady the Member for Aberdeen, South (Lady Tweedsmuir) has mentioned the tragic loss of the Broughty Ferry lifeboat in the early hours of this morning, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to make a statement to the House tomorrow, after Question Time, on this very sad event and tell us what steps he proposes to take to go into the causes of it and to meet the very sad loss that has been involved?

Mr. Marples

Yes, Sir. I shall be quite prepared to make a statement.