§ Mr. James Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence if the bodies of the two junior soldiers lost on Tuesday in Aberdeen Bay off the Highland Brigade Depot have yet been recovered; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ReynoldsThe body of Junior Piper Hugh McPhee was recovered at sea on Wednesday afternoon. Junior Lance Corporal Andrew Sinclair is still332W missing. I wish to offer my profound sympathy to their parents. A party of junior soldiers from the Highland Brigade Depot was taking part in a canoeing exercise in the mouth of the River Don on Tuesday afternoon; some of the canoes capsized and Hugh McPhee and Andrew Sinclair were reported missing. A search was carried out by air and sea, and on the beaches on Tuesday afternoon and on Wednesday. A Military Board of Inquiry will be opened into this tragic accident on 26th June. I am arranging to keep the hon. Gentleman informed of any developments.