§ Mr. Loughlin(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any statement to make about the collision of two tankers on the River Severn as a result of which lives were lost and a number of persons received serious injuries.
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Ernest Marples)I have ordered a preliminary inquiry into this collision under the provisions of Section 465 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, and this is proceeding as expeditiously as possible.
At this stage, it appears that late on Tuesday evening, 25th October, two oil barges missed the Sharpness harbour entrance in fog and collided. They were the "Arkendale H", carrying fuel oil from Swansea to Sharpness, and the "Wastdale H", carrying petrol from Avonmouth to Sharpness. The collision resulted in an explosion and fire and breaching of the Severn Railway Bridge which carries a single line railway between Berkeley Road and Lydney. Both barges are now stranded on a sandbank some three-quarters of a mile above the damaged bridge.
Rescue measures were carried out as promptly as possible by the Gloucestershire police, assisted by port workers and volunteers. Yesterday, a search was made by an R.A.F. helicopter.
Of the eight men on board, the skippers of both vessels and the engineer of the "Arkendale H" are survivors. Two bodies have been recovered. I am sure the House will wish to join me in expressing deep sympathy with the families of those who have lost their lives.
§ Mr. LoughlinMay I express fully my appreciation of what the Minister has 2579 said, particularly in his sympathy for the relatives of people who lost their lives? I thank him for the statement and I hope that the House will join with him in expressing that sympathy.
I appreciate the importance of the loss of life and I wonder whether, in looking at this matter, it will be possible for the Minister to indicate whether relatives of those who have lost their lives in this terrible disaster can be assisted in some way by the Government?
§ Mr. MarplesProvision for the families of the men who lost their lives is the responsibility of the National Insurance authorities under the National Insurance Act, or under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Scheme. I think that they will be looked after in the usual way.
§ Mr. AwberyWhat steps have been taken to prevent the crude oil flowing down with the current to the channel and covering the beaches on the South Wales and Cornish coasts?
§ Mr. MarplesWe shall look at that problem. We have someone on the spot looking at it and we shall see what can be done.