§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve the A21 between Sevenoaks and Hastings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe have schemes in our national programme for bypasses of Pembury, Lamberhurst and Robertsbridge, at different stages of preparation. Three smaller improvements — at the southern end of the
426WThe vessel was less than 12 metres in length and therefore did not come within the scope of the survey and certification regulations. It was, however, surveyed for insurance purposes by an independent surveyor. The vessel was known to carry two tons of permanent ballast but there is no record of the adequacy of its stability. It had been fitted for stern trawling and the outriggers are believed to have been subsequently extended. Such arrangements in small vessels can give rise to dangerous heeling forces when carrying the weight of gear and fish, particularly if the gear becomes snagged on the sea-bed. At the time of the loss there was no evidence of the presence of any submarine in the vicinity.
In accordance with normal practice a copy of the factual statement based on the inspector's report has been made available to the next of kin.