§ Mr. Burdenasked the Minister of State for Defence what was the weather forecast of the likely conditions for the journey of the Dutch ship "Hereford" express from Londonderry to Glasgow and the gale force when she went aground on rocks off the Mull of Kintyre.
§ Mr. LambtonI understand that the ship went aground in the early hours of Thursday, 29th October, 1970. The sea route from Londonderry to Glasgow lies within the sea area Malin for which the following forecasts, each for 24 hours 463W ahead, were broadcast by the B.B.C. on 28th October:
0640—Winds north-west to north, force 4 or 5 becoming variable force 3 then south-east to south force 4 or 5 later. Some scattered rain. Visibility good.
1355—Winds variable force 3 becoming south-westerly force 5. Occasional rain. Visibility good becoming poor.
1757—Winds south-easterly force 4 to 6 veering south-west force 5 to 7. Occasional rain. Visibility moderate.
At Machrihanish, the nearest point where observations are made, a 15 knot south-easterly wind (force 4) was recorded at 0100 on 29th October.