Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris, has warmly welcomed the announcement today (Wednesday) of the chair and terms of reference for the public inquiry into the Stockline factory tragedy which occurred in Glasgow in 2004.

Mr Doris said: "I am glad that this announcement has been made and that we are moving forward to discover the causes of the tragedy.

"After nearly 3 and a half years since the tragedy I hope the inquiry can meet its terms of reference to report as soon as practicable. This will allow the families of the victims to get closer to some justice.
 

"I hope it will analyse closely how well the Health and Safety Executive operates and how it monitors companies such as ICL Plastics"

"And I hope that its recommendations will look at how health and safety regulations can be improved so that such a tragedy never happens again and how survivors and the bereaved can be compensated for their loss."

Notes:

1. The Scottish Government's press release announcing the chair and terms of reference for the public inquiry is available here
   
   
2. The factory blast on May 11, 2004 was caused by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) escaping from old and corroded pipework.
   
   A £1 million investigation found that it would have cost £405 to replace the piping.
   
   Seven people were eventually rescued alive from the rubble following the blast. The last body was recovered on May 14, 2004.
   
   The owners, ICL Plastics and ICL Tech, were fined £400,000 at the city's High Court in August.
   
   But grieving relatives were incensed by the fine, describing it as an "insult", and union leaders called for a full public inquiry.