§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the death of Leading Seaman Derek Brian Jones at Port Edgar, South Queensferry, West Lothian.
§ Mr. FoleyPreliminary reports indicate that the accident occurred soon after midnight on 4th June, when, owing to high winds, the duty watch including Leading Seaman Jones, was called out to check the wires which secured H.M.S. "Bronington" to the jetty at Port Edgar. Jones, apparently on his own initiative, stood on the lower guard rail and leaning out to look forward to check the headrope, fell overboard. In falling his head struck a wooden fender between the ship and jetty. Death was due to a fractured skull. An inquiry is to be held. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to his wife and family.