HC Deb 19 April 1950 vol 474 cc117-8
14. Brigadier Rayner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now able to make a statement with regard to the fate of the Lockheed-Lodestar aircraft and its crew and passengers which disappeared in a flight from Croydon to Rome on 29th October, 1948.

Mr. Ernest Davies

The aircraft left the United Kingdom on 29th October, 1948, on a flight to Australia via Rome with a crew of two and two passengers. Shortly after taking off from Croydon it disappeared and has not been seen or heard of since. Inquiries made of Governments of countries in which the aircraft might have landed have brought negative results. The Yugoslav and Israel Governments were included in these inquiries in view of reports that the aircraft and one or more of its occupants had been seen in those countries. Both Governments stated that they were unable to find any trace of either the aircraft or its occupants.

Brigadier Rayner

In view of the fact that the near relatives of the four British subjects who were lost in this aircraft are still waiting for news, in desperate hope, will the hon. Gentleman say whether strong representations have been made to the Powers apparently most concerned, and whether he has sufficient evidence to allow the relatives to apply to the courts for leave to presume death as far as any of these gentlemen are concerned?

Mr. Davies

There is no need to make strong representations to anybody in this matter. Investigations were made as soon as the aircraft was reported missing. Routine inquiries were made by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and it was only after they were unable to trace the plane that inquiries were made by the Foreign Office. We have done our utmost to trace the aircraft, but have been entirely unsuccessful. The relatives can apply to the courts at any time for leave to presume death, and if there is any assistance which the Foreign Office can give it will be only too pleased to give it.

Brigadier Rayner

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether inquiries are still being made, or whether the matter has been dropped by the Foreign Office?

Mr. Davies

I would not say that the matter has been dropped, but, at present, we have no lead which is of any assistance to us.

Mr. Eden

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any messages were received from the aircraft which would lead to the conclusion that it was over any given country when it crashed?

Mr. Davies

No, Sir, we have been unable to trace anything in that connection.