§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions his Department has had with the International Maritime Organisation about the fate of the MV Derbyshire and her sister ships.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Department has had no discussions with the International Maritime Organisation about the fate of the Derbyshire and her sister ships. A copy of the report of formal investigation into the loss of the Derbyshire was, however, sent to the IMO for information.
Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what date his Department received a copy of the research paper by Professor Bishop on the sinking of the MV Derbyshire; on what date it was referred to the marine accident investigation branch of his Department; what consultations he is having on the basis of it; when he expects to receive a report; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe marine accident investigation branch-MAIB-requested a copy of the paper from the Royal Institution of Naval Architects: this was received in early August. Copies of the paper were received in the Department's marine directorate in September. The MAIB is still examining the paper, along with the Tyne Tees television underwater film of the Kowloon Bridge. A report on the conclusions reached will be submitted to the Secretary of State shortly who will then decide whether or not to reopen the formal investigation which took place between October 1987 and March 1988.