§ Mr. PrescottTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he ordered an investigation into the fire on the ferry European Clearway; under what regulation it is being conducted; when he expects to receive the report; and if he will make it publicly available.
§ Mr. PortilloWe ordered an investigation into this accident on 18 July 1988. One of the Department's marine surveyors was appointed under section 728 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 to conduct the investigation, which is now complete. We are now considering the findings. But since there may be a question of prosecution, it would not be proper to comment on the content of the report at this stage.