Pressure for a public inquiry into the blast is mounting

Nine people died and 40 were injured in a blast at the ICL Stockline plant in the Maryhill district of the city on 11 May last year.

Families, trades unions and academics have already called for an inquiry.

The Crown Office is still considering a report into the blast, which resulted in a 72-hour search for survivors.

Safety failures

Officials could either decide to prosecute the company or its director or, if there was no evidence of wrong-doing, call a fatal accident inquiry.

The Commons motion demands that the UK Government calls on the Scottish Executive to hold an inquiry at the "earliest appropriate time".

GLASGOW BLAST VICTIMS Margaret Brownlie, 49, Strathaven Annette Doyle, 34, Glasgow Peter Ferguson, 52, Kilbarchan Thomas McAulay, 41, Mount Florida, Glasgow Stewart McColl, 60, West Kilbride Tracey McErlane, 27, Possilpark, Glasgow Kenneth Murray, 45, Paisley Timothy Smith, 31, Johnstone Ann Trench, 34, Colston, Glasgow

The cross-party group of MPs said the explosion was the worst industrial accident in Scotland for 20 years.

They argued the disaster raised questions about health and safety regulation.

Five men and four women lost their lives when the explosion demolished much of the factory in Grovepark Street.

In August, the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) launched a petition supporting the call from victims' relatives for a public investigation.

Assistant secretary John Park welcomed the Commons motion.

He said: "We've been calling for an inquiry for some time and it's good to see politicians backing that demand.

"We think it would not only bring closure for families but the lessons learnt would improve health and safety standards in workplaces across the UK."

'Too early'

A Crown Office spokeswoman said: "It is a matter of public record that the Lord Advocate has made it clear that there will be an inquiry, in public, into the circumstances and causes of this explosion.

"This will happen regardless of whether criminal proceedings are to be raised."

She said it was too early to speculate on the form of any inquiry, since a decision had yet to be taken on the question of criminal proceedings.

A Scottish Executive spokesman said: "We will not make any decision until the Crown Office decides if any charges should be pressed."