HL Deb 26 October 1971 vol 324 cc523-5

2.40 p.m.

LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper. As this is the first occasion on which this accident has been mentioned in the House, may I put into words what I feel would be the wish of noble Lords on both sides of the House, that we should express our deep sympathy to the families of those who have suffered from this disaster?

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they can now make a statement on the likely cause of the disaster to the B.E.A. Vanguard on October 2.]

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, before replying to the noble Lord's Question, may I also add my sympathy, and indeed that of the Government, to the families and the relatives of those who were lost in the disaster.

My Lords, responsibility for carrying out the investigation into the accident to B.E.A. Vanguard G-APEC in Belgium on October 2 falls, by international agreement, to the Belgian authorities who have set up a Technical Commission of Inquiry which includes two members of the Department of Trade and Industry's Accidents Investigation Branch. It is too early for them to be able to report in detail. However, during the course of the critical examination of the wreckage and in particular of the rear pressure bulkhead, it has been established that there was severe corrosion and a crack below the position where the flying control mechanism passes through a pressure seal and that the bulkhead ruptured in this area. It is considered that the failure of the bulkhead occurred shortly before the loss of control and the separation of the tailplanes and elevators. Very active investigation continues, with full participation of all resources available both in Belgium and in this country. It will, however, be some time before the complete story can be told.

LORD BALFOUR or INCHRYE

My Lords, has the Minister any knowledge of how soon the Air Registration Board will be considering whether the present limitations are to be continued or taken oil as regards the use of this type of aircraft?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, the present limitations have been designed with B.E.A. and B.A.C. and have been approved by the Air Registration Board. The aircraft concerned are undergoing tests and a modification is expected to be made in the taipiece.

LORD BYERS

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord how it comes about that this type of corrosion, which must he progressive, is not noticed when the certificate of airworthiness is granted?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, this is precisely one of the things that is being investigated. The routine methods of detection and repair are also being looked into.

LORD BYERS

My Lords, does this also apply to aeroplanes other than the Vanguard?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, that depends on the results of the investigation being undertaken into this particular crash.

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, in declaring an interest, may I say that I have some knowledge of the matter? I wonder whether on reflection the noble Earl considers it wise to use the word "modification" being required to the aircraft?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, I understand that consultations have been undertaken with B.E.A. and B.A.C. for alterations to the rear part of the bulkhead.

LORD HARVEY OF PRESTBURY

My Lords, following this unfortunate accident, is my noble friend aware that existing Vanguards are having to fly at restricted altitude, causing great discomfort to the passengers? Further, is he aware that B.E.A. are probably the only international airline operating propeller-turbo aircraft? As we understood some months ago that the Vanguard was to be relegated to being a freight aircraft, could we have a broader statement on the future position, to restore the confidence of passengers that the Vanguard is still in existence for passenger carrying?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, the Vanguard has been an extremely good aircraft. As a result of this accident, it has been concluded that it would be prudent to lower the pressure in the aircraft. Subject to this alteration, it has the approval of airworthiness given by the Air Registration Board.