§ 61. Mr. Beswickasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if it is proposed to publish the full reports of investigations into accidents to all categories of civil registered aircraft whether operating under private ownership or commercially; and whether such investigations will always be held in public.
§ Mr. LindgrenIn order to remove any misapprehension on this subject I should explain that my noble Friend proposes normally to publish the reports of investigations by the Chief Inspector of Accidents into accidents occurring to civil aircraft on the United Kingdom register operating scheduled journeys within the meaning of Section 23 of the Civil Aviation Act, 1946, or engaged on charter 408 in cases where death or serious personal injury has occurred or from which useful lessons may be learnt or when other special features are present. The inquiries into such accidents will normally be held in public when they give rise to matters of real public interest, or when that course would be of technical benefit.
§ Mr. BeswickWill the same policy apply to investigations into accidents which occur in this country but which involve aircraft registered in another country?
§ Mr. LindgrenIn that connection my noble Friend is required to undertake consultations with those Governments He will do so in each case and the present indications are that the foreign Governments will take general notice of the desires of His Majesty's Government.