§ LORD ALPORTasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make a statement about the explosion on the Manchester Ship Canal on April 14 which led to loss of life and injury to individuals.
§ LORD BESWICKMy right honourable friend has ordered a preliminary inquiry under Section 465 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 into the explosion which was followed by a fierce fire on the surface of the Manchester Ship Canal downstream of Cadishead Viaduct on April 14, as a result of which 6 people lost their lives and 3 are in hospital with severe burns. The inquiry has just been completed and he will be considering, in consultation with the other Departments concerned, what further action should be taken.
House adjourned at nine minutes before eight o'clock.