§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Trade when he expects to receive the preliminary inquiry report into the accident involving the loss of the "Union Star" and the Penlee lifeboat; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SproatThe preliminary inquiry into the loss of the Penlee lifeboat will be completed as soon as possible. I hope to receive the inspector's report by the end of February. The "Union Star" was registered in the Irish Republic and inquiries into the loss of the vessel are the repsonsibility of the flag State. Accordingly the Irish marine safety authorities is conducting a preliminary inquiry; my Department has offered every assistance in this connection.