§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase the staff and funding of the Marine Accidents Investigation Branch; and if he will make a statement. [111824]
§ Mr. HillThe staffing and funding requirements of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch are kept under constant review.
Three additional staff were recruited in 1999—one accident investigator and two administrative staff. A further accident investigator has been recruited this year and is expected to be in post within the next few months. Another investigator may be recruited later in the year for one year to assist with Lord Justice Clarke's inquiries into the Marchioness disaster.