§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if his Department has completed its preliminary inquiry into the explosion on board the barge "Humber Mariner" on the River Hull; and if he will make a statement on its conclusions.
§ Mr. OnslowYes. The explosion was due to the ignition of an explosive mixture of petroleum vapour and air in the engine room. The extent of the damage and the death of the only witness made it impossible to say with certainty how the petroleum vapour came to be present or by what source it was ignited, and I do not therefore propose to order a formal investigation. This tragic occurrence emphasises the need for the utmost care in ensuring that petroleum vapour is not allowed to accumulate in a confined space where it may be exposed to sparks or other naked lights.