§ Mr. Randallasked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for increasing the number of public inquiries held (a) when fishing vessels are lost or (b) when there are deaths at sea in connection with fishing vessles.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerIn deciding whether to order a formal investigation into a shipping casualty my right hon. Friend will take into account: the number of lives lost; the degree of public concern; the desirability for the cause to be more clearly established; the likelihood that there are lessons to be learnt; and the possible need for disciplinary action against the master or a member of the crew. The decision is made on the individual facts of each casualty and to project a trend would be inappropriate.