asked the President of the Board of Trade when and where the inquiry into the circumstances attending the loss of the Peninsular and Oriental liner s. s. "Egypt" will be held; and who will conduct the inquiry?

The formal investigation into the loss of the "Egypt" will be held in London, and the date will be announced as soon as possible. The inquiry will be conducted by a special Wreck Commissioner appointed for the purpose.

Is it the intention to set up this inquiry very soon? A very long period has passed already since the disaster took place.

I am sure that if my hon. and gallant Friend realised the amount of preliminary work to be done before investigation takes place, he would not call it a long time. No time has been lost.