HC Deb 30 June 1937 vol 325 cc1949-50
26. Mr. Thurtle

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many crashes have taken place in recent weeks in connection with the special instructional course at Manston in the handling of the Anson bombing aeroplanes; whether he is aware that an observer on one of the planes was recently struck by lightning, and that after landing following this occurrence the pilot in question was sent up immediately to practise landing and subsequently crashed; and whether he is satisfied that the pilots in this course are not being subjected to undue stress and strain?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

With regard to the first part of the question, there have been four such accidents since 1st April, 1937, but only one resulted in serious damage or casualty. With regard to the second part, there is no record of any accident corresponding with that described by the hon. Member, and perhaps he will let me have further particulars of the case he has in mind. With regard to the third part, I have no reason to believe that pilots engaged in connection with this course are being subjected to undue stress and strain.

Mr. Thurtle

Is the Minister aware that this accident took place within the last fortnight, that the pilot lost his life and that he was sent up flying at night without an observation officer? Is that not both unusual and undesirable?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I am aware that there was an accident in the neighbourhood of this station to a sergeant, who was killed in carrying out elementary night flying, but I do not associate that case with the description of the accident given in the question.

Captain Harold Balfour

Is the Under-Secretary aware that at Manston station, which is in the Isle of Thanet Division, the flying personnel are well looked after, and that there are no grounds for the inferences contained in the question?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I believe that to be true.

Mr. Thurtle

Is the Under-Secretary aware that I am not seeking to achieve any debating point. I am only anxious that he should satisfy himself that the lives of brave men are not being risked unnecessarily?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I appreciate the hon. Member's motives, and I am only anxious to find out the exact accident to which he refers, but I cannot, from the description given in the question, actually identify the particular accident.