HC Deb 17 June 1965 vol 714 cc880-1
28. Dr. Bennett

asked the President of the Board of Trade what decision he has reached about the reconsideration of the "Californian" incident.

Mr. Mason

My right hon. Friend expects to reach a conclusion shortly.

Dr. Bennett

Is it not true that the "Californian" was probably 30 miles from the "Titanic" and that two other vessels neither of which was the "Californian", were sighted to the north when Captain Rostron of the "Carpathia" was picking up survivors, which makes it highly improbable that the "Californian" was the villain of the piece, as history has now seemed to grasp? Will the hon. Gentleman do something to try belatedly to clear Captain Lord's name?

Mr. Mason

One of the reasons why the inquiry is taking so long is that there is conflicting evidence on this point, and the navigational aspects of the case to which the hon. Gentleman has referred are receiving particular examination.

Mr. Ogden

Will my hon. Friend take it that the petitioners in this case are by no means dismayed at the amount of time being taken and they regard it as an indication that the question is being given every consideration? All we hope is that, when a decision is made, it will be the decision for which many hon. Members on both sides are hoping, namely, that my right hon. Friend will be able to make arrangements for a public inquiry to clear the captain's name.