§ 37. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to make a further statement in regard to the causes of the recent accident when a Royal Air Force bombing machine crashed on board the French liner "Normandie"; and what regulations apply to aircraft as regards low flying in the Solent and, in particular, over vessels navigating therein?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe case will be dealt with by court-martial procedure, and in these circumstances my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that I cannot in the meantime make any statement as to the cause of the accident. As regards the second part of the question, the King's Regulations and Air Council Instructions for the Royal Air Force forbid low flying over ships at sea or at anchor, except during operations and exercises which render such low flying necessary for their proper fulfilment. This regulation applies, of course, to the Solent as well as other waters.
§ Captain MACDONALDWill instructions be issued by the right hon. Gentleman's Department to see that these regulations are carried out in future?
§ Sir P. SASSOONCertainly, if the regulations are not being carried out, instructions will be issued.
§ Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITHSIs it not a fact that the regulations cannot be carried out while the men are fed on margarine?