HC Deb 30 October 1946 vol 428 cc597-8
28. Mr. Ward

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when the findings of the investigation into the accident to an Avro York near Bathurst, West Africa, on 6th September, 1946, will be made known.

Mr. Lindgren

The investigations into the cause of this accident have not yet been completed. At present, therefore, I am unable to say when the report will be ready but I can assure the hon. Member that there will be no avoidable delay in publishing it.

Mr. Ward

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that it was reported in the Press, on, I think, the day following the accident, that Air Vice-Marshal Bennett himself, and a member of the accidents branch from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, went out to Bathurst by air to look into the cause of this accident? That is almost two months ago; surely they have had plenty of time to arrive at some decision on the matter?

Mr. Lindgren

The hon. Member should know, and I believe he does, that Air Vice-Marshal Bennett has no responsibility for the reporting of accidents. He is associated with an operator. The inspector in charge of accidents is now at Bathurst and we are awaiting his investigations before the report can be published.

29. Mr. Ward

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what steps he is taking to ensure that the causes of serious accidents to commercial aircraft are made know to the public without unreasonable delay.

Mr. Lindgren

It is my noble Friend's intention that publication shall take place as rapidly as possible. But, as the hon. Member will appreciate, close care is needed in the preparation of the reports, and investigations may inevitably be protracted by reason of the technical questions which arise.

Mr. Ward

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is a widespread feeling amongst the public that the publication of the results of such investigations is deliberately delayed until the excitement in the Press and among the public has died down?

Mr. Lindgren

One can understand the uninformed public having that feeling, but I should be surprised if it is held in any quarter where there is knowledge of air accidents and the circumstances associated with them.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Will the hon. Gentleman inform the uninformed public as quickly as possible?

Mr. Lindgren

We are doing that as quickly as we can, but it is difficult to do it for the Benches opposite.