§ 37. Mr. Haymanasked the Minister of Transport whether he will introduce legislation to bring the Elder Brethren of Trinity House under the full control of Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. MarplesNo, Sir. I see no reason to do this, but if the hon. Member would let me know if he has any particular point in mind I should be glad to consider it.
§ Mr. HaymanWill the Minister bear in mind that along the eight miles stretch of coast on the south side of the Land's End peninsula, during the past 12 years, 21 ships have been lost, 39 lives have been lost, and 28 men have been saved? Did the right hon. Gentleman see Mr. Christopher Brasher's B.B.C. television item a few weeks ago in which he told the full story of these terrible tragedies and of the inactivity or refusal of the Elder Brethren of Trinity House to do anything about them? Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that all Cornish-men are very angry at this story, and will he, at least, receive a deputation from the fishermen concerned?
§ Mr. MarplesI did not see the broadcast to which the hon. Gentleman refers. If he will give me notice of his rather long supplementary question, I will certainly consider it.
§ Mr. G. R. HowardDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that we are extremely pleased to see with us here this afternoon the most distinguished of the Elder Brethren of Trinity House, my right hon. Friend the Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill)? Will the Minister use his good offices in the matter—this happens to be in my constituency—and will he, perhaps, look at a recording of that television programme, in which I took part? I hope that my right hon. Friend will examine the question again, as there is no light on the coast of Cornwall between Penlee and the Lizard, and all the casualties which have occurred have been of 1136 foreign vessels. As Trinity House says that it is its job to look after foreign-going traffic, it is most important that the matter be looked at again.
§ Mr. MarplesNow that I know that my hon Friend appeared in the programme, I am reinforced in my determination to see a recording, if it is possible. I promise my hon. Friend that I shall go into this. In response to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I am sure that the entire House is glad to see my right hon. Friend the Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill) in his place.
§ Mr. HaymanWill the Minister reconsider his answer to me? Although they may be foreign lives, they are the lives of men. Will the Minister bring the Elder Brethren of Trinity House wholly under his control?
§ Mr. MarplesI shall look at the exchange of views, and I shall certainly go into the matter. If the hon. Gentleman has any further information and cares to write to me, I shall be greatly obliged.