HC Deb 14 June 1985 vol 80 c582W
Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will release to the parents of young persons lost when the Marques sank with all hands the marine survey of the vessel prepared by Mr. John Perryman of Great Yarmouth.

Mr. Ridley

The report prepared by Mr. Perryman will be part of the evidence submitted to the court of inquiry and I would not wish to risk prejudicing the outcome of the investigation by the premature release of documents.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Transport why the inquiry into the loss of the Marques is not being held before January-February 1986.

Mr. Ridley

The date for the public formal investigation has not yet been set. Arrangements for the hearing are being made as expeditiously as possible but a number of factors, such as the selection and appointment by the Lord Chancellor of a senior member cf the Admiralty Bar as wreck commissioner and the need for the parties to have time to prepare their cases, have to be considered. Nevertheless, I hope that it will be possible for the investigation to commence before the end of the year.