§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list all United Kingdom registered vessels lost at sea in unexplained circumstances in the last five years; what inquiries were set up into their disappearance; and what was the result of the inquiry in each case.
§ Mr. David MitchellI will answer this question shortly.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the circumstances in which the fishing vessel `Mhairi L' was lost; whether any other vessel was involved; what are the terms of reference to his Department's inquiry into the loss; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellMy Department has appointed a principal marine surveyor under section 728 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 to investigate the circumstances attending the loss of the Fishing Vessel Mhairi L. There is no evidence at the moment to suggest any other vessel was involved. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in the tragic loss of this vessel.