§ Lord Napier and Ettrickasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the British barque "Marques" was permitted to leave United Kingdom waters with a load-line certificate of exemption but without having had an examination by surveyors from the Department of Transport, and whether they will give an assurance that such a thing will not be allowed to happen again.
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport has ordered a formal investigation into the loss of the "Marques". The matters raised in the Question will fall to be considered in the course of the investigation, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.