§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he has any statement to make on the accident yesterday at Northolt Airport.
§ Mr. LindgrenI wish to express on behalf of His Majesty's Government their deep distress at this disaster. The House will also wish me to offer its profound sympathy to the relatives of those who lost their lives. The Chief Inspector of Accidents was on the scene soon after the accident, and preliminary investigations have already begun in association with the Royal Air Force and with the Swedish authorities, in the light of which my noble Friend will decide whether a public court investigation should be held.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the use of both Northolt and Heathrow Airports in extremely bad weather is safe, in view of the short distance which separates them?
§ Mr. LindgrenThat is a question the answer to which should come from the inquiry. If the House will agree, I should prefer to wait for factual information rather than give an impression based on information now at my disposal, mainly from my Department.
§ Mr. ScollanCan my hon. Friend say whether the Ministry have decided to put in a radar, to avoid these accidents?
§ Mr. LindgrenAll known radio aids and navigational devices have been installed at Northolt or Heathrow.
§ Mr. ScollanThat is not true.
Major HoughtonWhat instructions are in force as to the height at which planes must circle aerodromes when they have to fly in cloud?
§ Mr. LindgrenInstructions are given to the pilot from the control officer who is on duty in the control tower at the time.