HC Deb 28 February 1940 vol 357 c2042
18. Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any information in connection with the Royal Air Force plane crash at Wallington, Surrey, on Saturday; how many people were killed; and whether any compensation is to be paid?

Captain Balfour

I regret that at the present time I am not able to add anything to what has already been reported in the Press concerning this accident, which resulted in the death of a woman, her child and one officer. The accident will be the subject of an official investigation and the question of compensation will receive full consideration. I feel sure I am voicing the feelings of the House in expressing our sympathy with the relatives of those killed.

Sir Herbert Williams

Can my hon. and gallant Friend give an assurance that compensation will not be withheld on the ground that this is the class of case in which it was contemplated that compensation should not take place until the conclusion of the war?

Captain Balfour

I have said that it is intended to investigate the cause of the accident and that the question of compensation will receive full consideration.