HC Deb 20 May 1960 vol 623 c145W
Dr. Bennett

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty the circumstances of the collision in Portsmouth harbour between one of his small craft and the motor vessel "Brading", owned by British Railways; what casualties and damage resulted; and which vessel had the right of way.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

On Friday, 13th May at 5.45 p.m. a collision occurred in Portsmouth Harbour between a naval pinnace on a routine trip between H.M.S. "Dolphin" and H.M.S. "Vernon", and the British Railways ferry "Brading". Eight people in the pinnace were injured and two naval ratings and a dockyard civilian employee are missing; the boat was severely damaged. A naval Board of Inquiry is now in session and, as legal proceedings may ensue, I am unable to answer the last part of the Question.