§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what representations he has received to set-up a full public inquiry into the sinking of the Marchioness; and what has been his response;
(2) whether he will publish in full his Department's inquiry into the sinking of the Marchioness; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinSeveral requests have been made for a formal investigation into the sinking of the Marchioness. The present preference of my right hon. Friend is to publish in full the report by the chief inspector of accidents as soon as possible.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Bowbelle and other sand dredgers are working on the Thames outside daylight hours; and what changes in their operation since the Marchioness sinking his Department had required of them.
§ Mr. McLoughlinBowbelle, other sand dredgers and other ships operate on the Thames at all hours provided that they follow the general directions for navigation issued by the Port of London Authority. These directions have been reconsidered and amended since the Marchioness tragedy, in consultation with the Department of Transport, to improve safety on the river.