HC Deb 06 April 1937 vol 322 c16
30. Mr. Sandys

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is in a position to make a further statement regarding the disaster which befell the Empire flying boat "Capricornus" on 24th March?

Sir P. Sassoon

The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the French authorities, and I am therefore unable to make any further statement for the present.

Mr. Sandys

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider asking the Committee of Inquiry specifically to express an opinion as to whether the absence of de-icing was a contributory factor in the accident?

Sir P. Sassoon

I do not think it is necessary to ask them to do that. They will take everything into consideration.

Mr. Perkins

Is it a fact that ice-forming conditions were in operation on that particular day and at that particular time?

Sir P. Sassoon

I cannot prejudge the findings but my information is that it is unlikely that the accident was due to ice formation.