§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will extend the closing date for submissions to the Donaldson inquiry to enable considered responses from the people of Shetland and local coastal authorities to be submitted following the Shetland standard conference of 31 March to 1 April.
§ Mr. NorrisThe conduct of the inquiry is entirely a matter for Lord Donaldson but I will draw the hon. Member's question to Lord Donaldson's attention.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will grant a sheriff's inquiry in to the sinking of the MV Braer so as to provide information to be considered by the Donaldson inquiry.
§ Mr. NorrisUnder the Merchant Shipping (Accident Investigation) Regulations 1989, provision is made for investigations into serious marine accidents to take the form of an inspector's inquiry with a report to the Secretary of State by the chief inspector of marine accidents and subsequent publication. This is considered to be the appropriate form of investigation for this accident. However should the evidence being gathered by the inspectors suggest that a formal investigation before a sheriff is warranted then my right hon. Friend will consider ordering one.
Lord Donaldson has made it clear that his inquiry is not directed particularly at the Braer accident; however, such information as he needs on that accident will be provided by the chief inspector.