Captain BALFOUR by Private Noticeasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement regarding the accident which occurred yesterday when a Royal Air Force aircraft collided with the French steamer "Normandie" in the Solent; whether the duties on which the pilot was engaged necessitated such low flying over mercantile marine craft; whether he will issue immediate orders, or, if necessary, amend existing instructions with a view to preventing a repetition of such an accident, and whether the naval pilot of the Royal Air Force aircraft was operating under control of the naval authorities or Royal Air Force authorities?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe accident occurred in the course of a training flight from the Royal Air Force station at Gosport. In normal circumstances it should not be necessary for aircraft to fly low over marine craft during such training, but, as a full report of the accident has not yet been received, I am not in a position to make any fuller statement at present. The whole circumstances of the case will, of course, be carefully investigated.
§ Mr. PERKINSCan the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question? Who was responsible for this aircraft—the Admiralty or the Air Ministry?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI have said that it was under the control of the Royal Air Force.
§ Captain PLUGGECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any compensation will have to be paid to the French Government and, if so, to what extent?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI should like to have notice of that question. I cannot answer at the present time.
§ Mr. GARRO JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman say in whose possession the machine now is? Who is the owner of it?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe wreckage of the machine was taken on to Le Havre. A Royal Air Force party is proceeding to Le Havre. Who is in possession of the machine at the moment, I am not in a position to say.
§ Captain PETER MACDONALDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the dissatisfaction at the amount of low flying that takes place in the Solent area, and will he take steps to see that this does not take place again? It is a growing nuisance.
§ Sir P. SASSOONDetailed regulations are in existence with regard to low flying of aircraft during training. I should not like to say more now or to prejudge the matter. The whole matter will have to be investigated.