§ 41. Mr. Perkinsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what weather reports were given to the "Capricornus" from the French meteorological stations as to the conditions around Macon on 24th March; and whether any warning was given as to the possibility of ice-forming conditions?
§ Sir P. SassoonAs this accident is at present under investigation by the French authorities, no official information regarding the weather reports given by French meteorological stations is as yet in my possession. As regards the last part of the question, however, the weather forecast supplied to the pilot before he left England indicated that conditions favourable for ice formation might be met with up to 5,000 feet between Macon and Marseilles.
§ Captain Harold BalfourIn view of the fact that the inquiry is being held by the French authorities, have we in this country the power to cross-examine the French witnesses; and will the evidence and conclusions of the French inquiry be published in this country in the same way as in the case of a British inquiry?
§ Sir P. SassoonAs my hon. and gallant Friend says, the investigation is being carried out by the French authorities. I hope it will be possible to publish the conclusions of the report, but we shall have to get the permission of the French Government to do so.
§ Captain BalfourCan we cross-examine witnesses?
§ Sir P. SassoonNo; the investigation is being carried out by the French authorities.