Marine Accident Investigation Branch (Hansard, 11 January 1994)

§ Mr. Spearing
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what occasions since its inception he, or other Ministers of the Crown have visited the premises of his marine accident investigation branch at Southampton; and if he will list the occasions when any Minister in his Department has had formal meetings with the chief inspector of marine accidents since April 1992.

§ Mr Norris
Various Ministers with responsibility for shipping have visited MAIB. The most recent visit was by my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State for Aviation and Shipping on 1 May 1992. The chief inspector meets the Secretary of State and Ministers as required.

§ Mr. Spearing
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the reference numbers and headings of each vote in the estimates relating to expenditure incurred directly, or otherwise ascertainable, defraying the expenses of the marine accident investigation branch.

§ Mr. Norris
The MAIB provision is contained within the 1993–94 supply estimates, class VI, vote 2, part II (section A), (section B) and section B1(6).

§ Mr. Spearing
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the nature and extent of the accommodation occupied by his marine accident investigation branch at 57 Brunswick place, Southampton and any other premises occupied by them elsewhere; if he will list the number and description of each category of persons employed within the Department; and what principal variations have been executed or planned since its inception.

§ Mr. Norris
The sole accommodation occupied by MAIB is situated at 5–7 Brunswick place, Southampton, which consists of office space on two floors. The staff complement is 11 professional officers from the three main maritime disciplines and 10 administrative, executive and support grade staff. There has never been any change made in the accommodation. The original complement was 15—nine professional officers and six administrative staff. However, at the branch's inception the full complement was not in post and at that time its Staff numbered 11—five professional and six administrative. In April 1990 the complement was increased to the current number.