HC Deb 12 April 1954 vol 526 cc90-1W
Mr. Hylton-Foster

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider introducing legislation to make it an offence for any person who trawls or drags a human body from the sea to fail to note and record before restoring it to the sea such visible particulars as may assist the identification of the body.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I agree that it is desirable that in such circumstances note should be taken of any particulars which may assist in the identification of the body. I understand that it is the usual practice to do so, and I do not consider that the occurrence of an isolated case in which it was not done would justify the introduction of legislation on the lines suggested. I hope, however, that my hon. and learned Friend's Question will help to bring home the importance of this matter to all those concerned.