§ Mr. Staintonasked the Minister for Trade if he will make a statement on the progress of the preliminary inquiry arising out of the European Gateway and Speedlink Vanguard casualty.
§ Mr. SproatA report has been received from the inspector appointed to carry out the preliminary inquiry and, following consideration by the Department, I have agreed that a formal investigation should be held into the circumstances of this tragic casualty. Further fact-finding inquiries will be necessary when the European Gateway is righted and available for inspection, but the formal investigation will be set in hand as soon as practicable.