HC Deb 11 January 1994 vol 235 cc126-7W
Mr. Spearing

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who was the inspector conducting the inquiry into the collision of the Bowbelle and Marchioness on the night of 20 August 1989; what was his period of service and what responsibilities he held in his Department; for what other inquiries before or since he has had prime or associated responsibility; what were his qualifications and professional experience, particularly in respect of navigation of the Thames above Greenwich; and if he will name any person having such knowledge, and their experience and qualification, who assisted the inspector.

Mr. Norris

The inspector who led the inquiry was the deputy chief inspector of marine accidents. Prior to his appointment as deputy chief inspector he had some 37½ years service in shipping and is a fully qualified and experienced master mariner. His service included eight years as principal nautical surveyor with particular responsibility for casualty investigation in the Department of Transport marine directorate; in that capacity he was concerned with numerous inquiries including those into the losses of the Herald of Free Enterprise and Marques. He was assisted by several inspectors with expertise appropriate to different aspects of the accident, including two officers closely concerned with navigation on the River Thames.

Mr. Spearing

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who was the inspector referred to in the letter he received from the chief inspector of marine accidents dated 5 June 1990; who conducted the inquiry into the Bowbelle-Marchioness collision; where and on what dates the inquiry took place; where the public or hon. Members can obtain a list of witnesses appearing at the inquiry; if he intends to publish their written and oral evidence; by whom witnesses were subject to questioning in the course of the inquiry; and what interest was represented by each of those persons carrying out the questioning.

Mr. Norris

The inspector referred to is the deputy chief inspector of marine accidents who led the inquiry. Investigation began on the morning of the accident, 20 August 1989, and the inquiry was completed when the deputy chief inspector submitted his report to the chief inspector on 26 January 1990.

The inquiry obtained evidence on many dates and at various places, including the office of the marine accident investigation branch, the Department of Transport district marine office, offices of the Port of London Authority and Tidal Cruises Ltd., on board my Bowbelle, at the yard where the Marchioness was slipped and afloat on the River Thames. Witnesses were questioned by one or more of the appointed inspectors whose interest, as laid down, was to determine the circumstances and causes of the accident with the aim of improving safety and avoiding recurrence. It is not the practice to give a list of witnesses nor to publish their evidence.

Mr. Spearing

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list each matter taken into consideration by the inspector conducting the inquiry into the Bowbelle collision, which was not referred to by the report received in his Department from the chief inspector of marine accidents.

Mr. Norris

As in any thorough investigation, the inspectors considered many aspects which. subsequently proved not to be germane to the accident. It is therefore not practicable to list such matters.

Mr. Spearing

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what evidence has been given in private or in public by the captain of the launch Hurlingham in respect of the collision between the Bowbelle and Marchioness; and if he will place copies of that evidence in the Library.

Mr. Norris

Apart from any evidence which he may have given either in the coroner's or the magistrates courts, the captain of the launch Hurlingham gave evidence to the marine accident investigation branch inspectors in the form of a declaration under section 27 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1979; such declarations are given in confidence and may not therefore be released.