§ Mr. Mark Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking following the explosion on the MV Pointsman at Milford Haven on 15 June; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerI regret to have to confirm that, as hon. Members will already know, four men died and 17 were detained in hospital with injuries following a number of explosions on the MV Pointsman at Milford Haven on 15 June. I am sure that all hon. Members will wish to join me in expressing our sympathy to the families of those who died, our hope that those who were injured will make a speedy recovery and our admiration for the work of the emergency services, some of whose members themselves suffered injury in dealing with the aftermath of the accident.
A factory inspector was on the scene within minutes of the accident. The Health and Safety Commission has directed that a special inquiry be carried out under section 14(2)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and a thorough investigation by members of the Factory Inspectorate, including the fire and explosions specialist inspector based in Cardiff, is already underway. The report of the outcome of the inquiry will, of course, be published. I am unable at this early stage to give any precise information about the causes of the explosion.