§ Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he has received the new evidence gained from re-examination of the Braer's surviving logbooks by two independent marine engineers; and if he will make a statement; [18727]
(2) if he will order the Marine Accidents Investigation Board to re-open the inquiry to establish the facts concerning the loss of the Braer; [18722]
(3) if he will make a statement on the recent decision of the Marine Accidents Investigation Board not to re-open the inquiry into the loss of the Braer; [18725]
(4) if he will order a public inquiry to establish responsibility for the loss of the Braer. [18723]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No. 2567) state that
The Chief Inspector (of Marine Accidents) may cause any investigation to be reopened either generally or as to any part thereof, and he shall do so
- (a) if after the completion of the investigation in his opinion new and important evidence has been discovered, or
- (b) if for any other reason there is in his opinion ground for suspecting that a miscarriage of justice has occurred."
The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has received, and very carefully considered, the log-books and certain other information concerning the Braer. In his opinion it is not new and important evidence, nor does it make him believe a miscarriage of justice has occurred.
The decision not to reopen the MAIB investigation into the loss of the Braer is entirely for the Chief Inspector and I am satisfied he has considered the matter fully.
I consider there are no grounds for ordering a public inquiry.