HC Deb 19 December 1945 vol 417 cc1321-3
23. Mr. Ward

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what was his Department's estimate of the cost in casualties when planning the trooping programme; and how does this figure compare with the casualty rate so far experienced.

Mr. Strachey

The trooping programme was planned as an Eastbound operation of war, with the object of taking men to the Far Fast to fight Japan. No estimate of the accidents likely to occur on such an operation was made. Since 1st May 11 accidents have occurred involving casualties on flights in the trooping programme in which 154 passengers and 41 crew have been killed; 22 passengers and five crew were injured.

Mr. Ward

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that the time has arrived when the R.A.F. should admit that, owing to very understandable difficulties caused by the demobilisation of some of their most experienced air and ground crews, the air-trooping programme cannot be undertaken at the same rate as was originally supposed to be possible, and is he satisfied that the Minister of War Transport cannot produce any more ships?

Mr. Strachey

We are, of course, deeply concerned with the accidents which have occurred in the trooping programme, and I am sure we should be most grateful for any assistance in the matter.

Mr. Hulbert

Can the Minister say what percentage of casualties to the whole number carried those figures represent?

Mr. Strachey

I would like to have notice of that question.

24. Mr. Ward

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the proportion of foreign crews to British crews employed since the trooping programme began; and what is the proportion of accidents to foreign crews as compared with British crews.

Mr. Strachey

I regret that this information is not readily available, but all aircrews employed on the trooping programme have been trained with the Royal Air Force to the same standards. Up to date, in 11 accidents on troop-carrying flights, nine crews were British and two were foreign.

25. Mr. Ward

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many trips on specific routes are carried out by pilots of troop-carrying aircraft before being sent on these routes as captains of air craft.

Mr. Strachey

Captains of aircraft in Transport Command, covering the route to India and back, have to do a minimum of two return trips with freight only. Bomber Command captains make one preliminary flight over their section of the trooping route which is direct between Italy and the United Kingdom. Coastal Command captains do three, on routes over the sea.

Mr. Ward

Is the Minister aware that these accidents are doing irreparable damage not only to the R.A.F. but to British aviation as a whole, and is he satisfied that the flying training and discipline of the captains and crews are as good as they should be?

Mr. Strachey

I have no doubt of the skill of the captains and crews. Our concern about the accidents is very great, and as I have told the House already, a most searching inquiry has been undertaken by the Air Staff and remedies are being applied at this very moment.

27. Mr. John Foster

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many engine failures have been reported to the Director of Accidents from 1st October to 1st December in respect of aircraft engaged in trooping or carrying other passengers.

Mr. Strachey

Thirty-three cases of an engine failure in passenger- or troop-carrying aircraft have so far been established for the months of October and November. The figure is not yet complete, as each case of apparent engine failure is investigated, and this necessarily takes time.

Mr. Foster

Is it the case that a considerable proportion of the failures has been due to the failure of the Merlin engine, and is that being taken into account in the steps now being taken to remedy the situation?

Mr. Strachey

I should require notice of that question.

Mr. Bowles

Is there any objection to the public being told the causes of the accidents?

Mr. Strachey

The circumstances differ in each case.

Mr. Bowles

Why should the public not be told in each case?

Mr. Hulbert

On what date did the Air Ministry appoint a Director of Accidents?

Mr. Strachey

A Directorate of Accidents.