HC Deb 04 February 1966 vol 723 c296W
Sir Knox Cunningham

asked the Minister of Power whether the public inquiry into the loss of the "Sea Gem" and the consequent loss of life will be held as a formal investigation under the powers given by the Merchant Shipping Acts; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Frederick Lee

I am advised that the powers given in the Merchant Shipping Acts would not apply in this case because the "Sea Gem" was not a "ship" within the meaning of those Acts. The inquiry will therefore be non-statutory, but I expect to receive the full co-operation of the parties concerned.