HC Deb 15 January 1964 vol 687 cc220-2
41. Mr. Strauss

asked the Minister of Transport whether, as most of the passengers on the "Lakonia" were British, he will seek the co-operation of the Greek maritime authorities for holding either a separate British or a joint Anglo-Greek inquiry into all aspects of the "Lakonia" disaster.

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

There are no powers under which a joint inquiry could be held. It is accepted international practice that inquiries into wrecks are held by the nation in which the vessel was registered. The purpose of such inquiries is to determine the cause of the accident and, where necessary, to take disciplinary action against members of the crew.

Witnesses can be subpoenaed provided that they are within the jurisdiction of the court. If, therefore, a British inquiry were held it might be difficult to obtain the attendance of the Greek crew, neither would the court have any power to discipline them.

For these reasons, we consider it undesirable to hold a parallel inquiry, especially as we have no reason to doubt that the inquiry in Greece will be strictly and fairly conducted. We shall carefully consider the findings of the Greek court, after which my right hon. Friend will take any further action that may seem necessary.

Mr. Strauss

One appreciates the technical and legal difficulties involved in holding an inquiry in this country—that is, a separate inquiry—but, since practically all the passengers were British and since there is nation-wide concern about the disaster, would it not be reasonable to ask the Greek maritime authorities to allow technical officers from his Department to participate in the inquiry being conducted in Athens and, if necessary, to cross-examine any witnesses who might be called before the inquiry?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

Arrangements are being made for the Ministry of Transport to be represented at the inquiry in Athens and also when statements are being taken from persons in this country.

Mr. Strauss

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman answer my point? May we be assured that the concern and allegations of British passengers will be satisfied? Surely, it is reasonable that technical officers from the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department should be allowed to participate in the inquiry in Athens? Since that seems such a reasonable request, will the Minister put it forward to the Greek maritime authorities?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

I take the right hon. Gentleman's point. The exact status of the representatives at the inquiry is now under discussion.

Mr. P. Williams

Can my hon. and gallant Friend confirm that anyone who is an interested party in this matter, or any passenger who was on the ship, is having facilities made available so that they can give evidence, in London or elsewhere? Does my hon. and gallant Friend's original reply mean that the Ministry has not closed its mind to the possibility of having a further inquiry, dependent on the consequences of the Greek inquiry?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

I can confirm my hon. Friend's first remarks. On his second point, after we have studied the results of the Greek inquiry we shall, naturally, consider holding an inquiry of our own.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not very difficult to intervene in what is, after all, a major responsibility of a Greek shipping line when at the present time we have a quarrel with the United States Maritime Commission, which wishes to interfere in the affairs of British shipping companies? On the other hand, is it not possible, when a foreign line is carrying a very large complement of British passengers, to ensure that when a passenger ship of this character is in a British port steps should be taken by the Ministry to ensure that the safety regulations are complied with?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

Yes, Sir. I very much agree with the remarks in the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. On the second part, we are bound by the Convention in this matter. I can confirm that a valid safety certificate was issued to the ship by the Greek Government and, in addition, as the right hon. Gentleman will no doubt have seen in the Press, our surveyors, by arrangement with the Greek line and other foreign lines, on occasions witness some of the tests of the lifeboats.