§ Mr. W. H. K. Baker (by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the Longhope lifeboat reported missing and now overdue.
§ The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. William Rodgers)At about 2 o'clock this afternoon, the Longhope lifeboat was found floating upside down about 4 miles south west of Torness. Three lifeboats, a Shackleton aircraft, a helicopter and two Coastguard rescue companies had been searching for it since daylight, the search having begun late last night. The lifeboat had a crew of seven and the search for survivors is continuing. We must all hope very much that they will be found. The life-boat went to the assistance of the Liberian cargo ship "Irene", which ran aground off South Ronaldsay last night in a force 9 easterly gale. Its crew were rescued by coastguards.
I would like to express my admiration for all concerned in the rescue of the crew of the "Irene" and express my deepest sympathy, which I know the House will share, for the relatives of the gallant lifeboat crew in their anxiety and sadness.
Mr. BakerI am sure that the whole House will wish to be associated with those remarks of the hon. Gentleman and express its profound anxiety today, which, by tragic coincidence, happens to be Life-boat Day in London. I am sure, too, that the House will wish to express its sympathy with the relatives of the crew. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] Would the Minister agree that the incredible bravery and self-sacrifice of lifeboat crews is exemplified by the Longhope boat having put out on its mission of mercy in such appalling weather conditions as 212 prevailed last night? Will the Minister undertake to keep the House informed as soon as practicable of any news he may receive?
§ Mr. RodgersCertainly I will give the last undertaking. I understand that the lifeboat is now in tow and will be righted when it reaches its destination at about six o'clock this evening. At that stage, it will be possible to discover whether there are bodies underneath.
As for the first part of the hon. Gentleman's remarks, I agree that this is one of the worst stretches of water in the world, and it was an act of singular courage for the boat to put out in the conditions prevailing last night.
§ Mr. James JohnsonMay I, from these benches, say how much the men of the fishing ports owe to our gallant lifeboat crews? May we extend our sympathy and deepest condolences to the families of the missing men?