§ 27. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport when and where the promised inquiry into the loss of the three Liberty ships, "Samwater," "Samtampa" and "Samkey" will take place; and what will be the personnel of the inquiry and its terms of reference.
§ Mr. BarnesA formal investigation into the loss of the "Samwater" was held at Liverpool and London in May and July last, and one into the loss of the "Samtampa" at Swansea in August last. The courts holding these investigations were constituted in accordance with Section 466 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894. Each consisted of a King's Counsel practising at the Admiralty Bar, being a Wreck Commissioner appointed by the Lord Chancellor under Section 477 of the Act, assisted by technical assessors. Their findings have been published, and I am sending copies to my hon. Friend. A formal investigation into the loss of the "Samkey" was ordered on 24th March. The court will be similarly constituted. A court of formal investigation into a marine casualty is required by the Act to investigate the casualty and after hearing the case to report to me.