asked the Minister of Transport the circumstances in which the fishing vessel "Dove" was blown up on 7th May, 1947, while being taken by a temporary crew from Ayr to Aberdeen; and what provision is being made to compensate the survivors for their loss and suffering.

My right hon. Friend is informed that, in a calm sea, a sharp explosion occurred, damaging the "Dove" so that she sank about five hours later. The crew of four left the ship in their boat about 1½ hours after the explosion and reached the shore 4½ hours after the ship sank. The cause of the explosion is being investigated, and entitlement to compensation will depend on the conclusions reached.