HC Deb 22 May 1924 vol 173 cc2393-4
44. Sir CHARLES CAYZER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether a Court of Inquiry has yet inquired into the circumstances under which Flying-Officer Jones met his death in a flying accident in Flintshire recently; and whether, in this case, he can state what the finding of the Court was?

Mr. LEACH

Yes, Sir, a Court of Inquiry has met and has reported. The report has been received at the Air Ministry, but has not yet been fully considered. The proceedings and findings of such Courts are always treated as confidential in all three Services, being made for the information of the Department only, and I regret I cannot undertake to state the finding in this case; but if the hon. Member will allow me I will let him know in due course the conclusions reached by the Air Council as to the cause of the accident.

Sir C. CAYZER

What steps have the Ministry taken to ensure, in future, the safety of the officers: that they shall not fly before being qualified to do so?

Mr. LEACH

All necessary steps are taken to ensure the safety of the officers; our precautions in this respect are more stringent than in any other country in the world.

Forward to