§ 2. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has now obtained a full Report with regard to the bombing accident near Peshawar?
§ 6. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Under-Secretary of State for India why live bombs were used instead of dummies in the bombing practice which resulted in the serious Royal Air Force accident near Peshawar; and if he will take steps to ensure that in future live bombs are only used in bombing practice over completely isolated districts?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)A court of inquiry was convened on the 24th January and was expected to report within a day or two. The result will be telegraphed at once, but my Noble Friend has 573 not yet received it. Meanwhile, I think it best not to make any statement.
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEMay I ask whether, in the meanwhile, every step has been taken, by sending some British representative to attend the funeral or otherwise, to express our feelings with regard to the matter?
§ Earl WINTERTONOh, yes. I do not think that it arises out of the question, but, from information which I have received from the Press, condolences have been expressed by a number of distinguished authorities including His Excellency the Viceroy, and every step has been taken to show the victims proper respect at their funerals.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIn view of the importance of the issue raised, may I ask the nature of the court of inquiry; is it constituted by the Air Force or the military forces, or the combined forces?
§ Earl WINTERTONI understand that it is the combined force, and it will be a court of inquiry into all the circumstances.