§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will investigate whether the crew of the Bowbelle had been made aware of the availability of walkie talkies on the night of the Marchioness disaster.
§ Mr. NorrisThe matter was investigated during the marine accident investigation branch inquiry. The master was aware of the presence of hand-held VHF sets on board Bowbelle; sections 8.9 and 17.1 of the chief inspector's report refer. At least one of the seamen on the fo'c'sle was aware that sets were carried.
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 Total Scotland and North 1,957 1,834 1,969 2,022 1,930 9,712 Midlands 2,240 2,423 2,037 2,198 2,179 11,077 Southern 2,109 1,993 1,897 1,756 1,701 9,456 South Wales/South West 1,908 1,717 1,375 1,316 1,223 7,539 North and North Wales 2,268 2,305 2,461 2,013 2,070 11,117 London and Eastern 2,141 1,829 1,716 1,434 1,414 8,534 Total 12,632 12,101 11,455 10,739 10,517 57,435 Information on the number later found to be stolen is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.