§ 149. . Sir J. Lucasasked the Minister of Transport what further information is available concerning the "Sao Paulo" how much food was available for the crew; and if he will ensure that on any similar tows wireless is fitted to the ship and adequate supplies are available for all reasonable contingencies.
§ Mr. MaclayAs hon. Members will have seen in the Press, the former Brazilian battleship, "Sao Paulo," of 19,200 tons, left Rio, with a crew of eight, on 20th September under tow for Greenock, where she was to be broken up. On 4th November in heavy weather, about 150 miles north-east of the Azores, she apparently broke away from her tugs. Despite intensive searches no further trace of her has been found.
A preliminary inquiry under the Merchant Shipping Acts is at present being conducted into the circumstances of the casualty to enable me to determine, whether a formal investigation under the Acts shall be held. I regret that I am not in a position to make a further statement at the present time, but my hon. Friend may be assured that the fullest weight will be given to any recommendations that may be made as a result of the preliminary inquiry and of the formal investigation if one is held.
The House will, I am sure, wish me to state on its behalf that they share the grave anxiety of the relatives and dependants of those who sailed in the ship.