§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set up an inquiry to ascertain the causes of deaths arising from incidents on Scottish mountains and to initiate action to avoid a repetition of such fatalities.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 14 January 1994]: I am sure that the hon. Member is aware of the great concern I have repeatedly expressed about the loss of life in the Scottish mountains. He will no doubt have seen my Christmas message on mountain safety which was extensively relayed in the Scottish press. The Scottish mountain rescue committee publishes annual statistics which give a breakdown of accidents by type of incident and injury and provide details of resources expended in rescue. Relevant bodies incuding the Scottish mountain safety group and the Scottish Sports Council are actively considering the question of further research into safety in the Scottish mountains and I expect to receive their recommendations in due course. Until that time I have no plans to set up an inquiry.