§ Mr. Muddasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether a decision has yet been taken to hold a public inquiry into the loss of the Penlee lifeboat.
§ Mr. BiffenFollowing consideration by the Department of the report of the preliminary inquiry into the tragic loss of the Penlee lifeboát, I have agreed that a formal investigation should be held into the circumstances of this casualty. I am not in a position however to determine the scope of this investigation until discussions with the Irish Government on the action they propose to take into the loss of the "Union Star" are complete. I will make a further announcement on this as soon as I am able.