§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Transport why the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley has not yet received a reply to his question relating to the Mhari L, tabled for priority written answer on 13 November; when he can expect to receive a reply; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyThe hon. Member's question was answered on 21 November. I have written to him apologising for the delay.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley on 21 November, Official Report, column 267, why reports on the loss of ships are not published; if he will reconsider his decision not to publish this report; and if he will place a copy in the Library.
§ Mr. RidleyReports of inquiries into shipping casualties are confidential to the Department. They enable the Department to establish the cause of the casualty and to consider what further action is required in the interest of marine safety. However, to be as helpful as possible the Department releases, to interested parties, a factual report based upon the surveyor's findings. I shall send a copy of the report on the Mhari L to the hon. Member.