HC Deb 25 March 1937 vol 321 cc3070-1
Mrs. Tate

(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has any statement to make upon the cause of the disaster to the Empire flying boat "Capricornus" upon her maiden voyage?

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Sir Philip Sassoon)

As the House is no doubt aware, Imperial Airways liner "Capricornus" on her maiden trip on the regular Australian service, met with a fatal accident in France yesterday afternoon. The details so far as they are known have already appeared in the Press, and I can give no further information to the House at this stage. The French authorities are conducting an inquiry in accordance with the usual international procedure, and a member of the staff of the Inspector of Accidents is being sent over to-day to assist them in every way possible. I am sure that the House would wish me to express our sympathy to those who are thus bereaved.

Mrs. Tate

Is there over that route any full meteorological and radio service, and was this ship which, according to an estimate which I have from Messrs. Short Brothers, cost about £56,000, fitted with de-icers?

Sir P. Sassoon

With regard to the first part of the question, my information is that this machine was in constant wireless communication. It was not fitted with de-icers.

Mrs. Tate

May I ask why this machine was not fitted with de-icers when they have been the regulation in America for three years and are used on every other line in Europe; and how long do the Government intend to allow Imperial Airways—

Hon. Members

Order.

Mr. Thorne

When this investigation has been completed, will the report be presented to the Members of this House?

Sir P. Sassoon

The reports in these cases are presented to the Secretary of State for Air.

Mr. Thorne

That is not sufficient. What I wanted to know is why Members of this House should not be in possession of the report, as well as the Secretary of State for Air?

Captain Harold Balfour

Is it the case that the Secretary of State has undertaken that the conclusions of the Inspector of Accidents shall be given publicity in all cases of public transport?

Sir P. Sassoon

That is always the case.