§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to receive the report of the inquiry by the marine accident investigation bureau into the sinking of the Antares; if the report will be made public; and if he will arrange to make a statement on its publication of what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe marine accident investigation branch investigation into the sinking of the Antares has been given the status of an inspector's inquiry under the Merchant Shipping (Accident Investigation) Regulations. The inquiry involves a very detailed investigation into the circumstances of the accident; and this necessarily takes time to complete. An interim report is expected very shortly. This will assist the Secretary of State in deciding what action needs to be taken. I expect the full report of the chief inspector to be published.