§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what inquiries are being held, either by the Argentinian, Liberian or British authorities, into the collision of the "Royston Grange"; where they are to be held; whether they are public or private; and whether representatives of the deceased will be able to attend and ask questions at these proceedings.
§ Mr. NobleA preliminary inquiry under Section 465 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, is, as already announced, in progress. I shall consider, when I have the report, whether a formal investigation, which would be held in public, should be held. Such an investigation would be held in the United Kingdom and representatives of the deceased could apply to be made party to the proceedings. I understand that a judicial inquiry is now being held by the Argentine authorities in Buenos Aires, but the proceedings are not at present public. The Liberian authorities have a preliminary inquiry in progress.