HL Deb 17 June 1997 vol 580 c112WA
Lord Spens

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will confirm the undertaking given by the present Deputy Prime Minister in a letter to The Times of 12 August 1991 and in a Labour Party press release dated 15 August 1991 that "the next Labour Government will grant a public inquiry immediately" into the "Marchioness" and "Bowbelle" disaster; and, if so, whether legal aid will be made available for this purpose for the families involved.

Baroness Hayman

The Government are considering the case for a public inquiry into the disaster, and will make an announcement as soon as a decision is reached.