§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the inspector's inquiry into the sinking of the Antares from Carradale has been completed; how much time is required under the Merchant Shipping (Accident Investigation) Regulations for consideration of the report; when the Secretary of State expects to publish the report; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe marine accident investigation branch inquiry is complete; the inspector has submitted his findings and recommendations to the chief inspector of marine accidents who is now preparing his report for submission to the Secretary of State for Transport. Before the chief inspector's report can be published, he is required by regulation 9 of the Merchant Shipping (Accident Investigation) Regulations 1989 to give persons whose reputations are likely to be adversely affected, time to consider the text and further time to provide alternative text if agreement cannot be reached. The duration of both prescribed periods are 28 days but experience has shown that the whole consultation period is likely to take a minimum of three months.
In the light of these facts, and with the additional period being required for the printing of the final report, publication is not expected before April 1992.