§ 32. Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any information in connection with the two aeroplanes that crashed in Leicestershire, one at Kirby Munroe and the other at Leesford; whether any of the pilots were killed; and whether any of the pilots were American?
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)I am informed that the cause of this accident was the collision in mid-air of two aircraft of the U.S. Army Air Corps. I regret to say that the pilots, both of whom were Americans, lost their lives. The House will, I know, wish to join with me in an expression of sympathy with the relatives.
§ 33. Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any information in connection with the two men who were killed on Friday, 29th January, when British aeroplanes crashed into a platelayer's hut near Selby, Yorkshire; and whether he can state the cause of the accident?
§ Captain BalfourThe causes of this accident are at present under investigation. The crew of the aircraft which crashed into the hut escaped injury but unfortunately one of the four railway employees in the hut was killed and the other three were seriously injured. I am sure that the House will wish to join with me in expressing sympathy with the relatives of the railwayman who lost his life and with the injured.
§ Mr. ThorneMay I ask whether, unless there is great urgency about the journey, the engines are examined before the planes start flying?
§ Captain BalfourYes, Sir, every aircraft has to be in an airworthy condition before it is allowed to fly.
§ Sir H. WilliamsWill the railwaymen receive compensation?
§ Captain BalfourCompensation for death or injury to civilians is a matter for the Ministry of Pensions.