§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken to set up the public inquiry into the loss at sea of the Aberdeen trawler "Blue Crusader"; who will conduct the inquiry; and where and when it will sit.
§ Mr. MasonTwo of the Board's marine surveyors have been appointed to hold a preliminary inquiry under the Merchant Shipping Act 1894. The report of this inquiry will be confidential. When it is ready my right hon. Friend will decide whether a public formal investigation is necessary. A formal investigation would be held by a Wreck Commissioner appointed by my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor.