§ 115. Captain HAROLD BALFOURasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air Whether he is now in a position to state what decisions have been arrived at on the report of the Aeronautical Research Committee on the accident to the Walcot air liner G-AAZK, at Meopham, on the 21st July, 1930?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Mr. Montague)My Noble Friend has accepted the finding of the Sub-Committee of the Aeronautical Research Committee which investigated this accident, which finding was approved by the Aeronautical Research Committee itself; and in all the circumstances he does not consider that any useful purpose would now be served by a public inquiry. The further investigations into the phenomenon of buffeting, which were recommended by the Committee, are in progress at the National Physical Laboratory; and similar investigations are being carried out in Germany. Close touch is being kept with the German authorities on this point. Pending the result of these investigations, my Noble Friend has reserved his decision with reference to the 599 continued validation of the certificates of airworthiness for the three aircraft of this type now in this country; but copies of the report of the Aeronautical Research Committee have been sent to the owners of these aircraft, and their attention has been specially drawn to the circumstances of the accident and to the Committee's finding as to its cause.
§ Captain BALFOUR. Are the owners of these aircraft still being allowed to use their machines for flying for hire?
§ Mr. MONTAGUENothing further has been done than I have indicated in my answer, but I understand that the machines are not being used.
§ Mr. MANDERIs it intended to carry out the promise of a public inquiry which was made to the relatives concerned?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEThat rather begs the question. I think that the hon. Member knows that the suggestion that a public inquiry was promised is not accepted by the Minister as a correct statement of fact.