§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is(a) the earliest and (b) the latest date by which he understands the marine accident investigation branch report into the sinking of the Marchioness will be (a) completed, (b) submitted to him and (c) published.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe inspector who led the inquiry into the Marchioness accident has submitted his findings and recommendations to the chief inspector of marine 51W accidents who is now preparing his report for submission to the Secretary of State. The Accident Investigation Regulations provide for any whose reputations may be adversely affected to see the proposed text of the chief inspector's report so that if any relevant sections are not agreed an alternative can be published as an appendix to the report. This important procedure will take a minimum of two months. Publication is expected to follow as soon as is practicable thereafter.