§ 20. Mr. THORNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any information to the House in connection with the three men who were killed as a result of a collision in midair of two aeroplanes near Castle Bromwich aerodrome, Birmingham; if he can state how many Royal Air Force men and aeroplanes have been involved in accidents this year; and how many men have been killed?
§ Sir P. SASSOONAs regards the first part of the question, the investigation is still proceeding and I am not, therefore, in a position to supplement the answer which I gave on Wednesday last to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander). As regards the remainder of the question, 68 Royal Air Force aircraft have been involved this year in accidents in which the occupants were killed or injured, the number killed being 31 and injured 58: the latter figure includes four members of other services flying on duty in Royal Air Force aeroplanes. I am glad to be able to add that the number of deaths to date this year is the lowest on record.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that this inquiry will be able to prove how it was that these two planes came into collision?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI shall have to await the result of the investigation before expressing an opinion.