§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether an inquiry has been held to ascertain the facts about the sinking of the British ship "Royston Grange" on the River Plate on 11th May, 1972, with all lives lost; and whether the results of the inquiry will be published.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineA preliminary inquiry was held at once into the loss of the "Royston Grange" and the report of this has been considered by my Department. The Liberian Government, whose flag-vessel the "Tien Chee" was also involved in the collision, are hoping to hold a public inquiry into the casualty next month, subject to the release of the master of the "Tien Chee", who is at present being held by the Argentinian authorities. Two of my Department's surveyors will be present at this inquiry, and I shall decide in the light of their report of the proceedings whether to order a formal investigation under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894.