§ 75. Wing-Commander Bullusasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the attack by two jet fighter aircraft on a British-owned Hong Kong Airways aeroplane making a regular run to Formosa on 6th July.
§ Mr. CookThe captain of a Hong Kong Airways aircraft reported that on 7th July, when on a flight between Hong Kong and Formosa, he heard three bursts of fire. The first officer saw two other aircraft overtaking from above, and, although he was not certain that they were jet aircraft, he could not see any propellers. These other aircraft dived down in front of the Hong Kong Airways aircraft and then made off towards Swatow. The captain expressed the opinion that an attack was not intended, and that the approach of the other aircraft was in the nature of a warning to keep clear of the China coast. It was not possible to identify the other aircraft. The company are continuing their operations, but are routing aircraft further out to sea.
§ Wing-Commander BullusDoes the hon. Gentleman share the same satisfaction about our defences in this area as that expressed this afternoon by the Secretary of State for Air?
§ Mr. CookThe hon. and gallant Gentleman had better direct that inquiry to the appropriate Minister.
Air-Commodore HarveyWill the hon. Gentleman assure the House that these civil aircraft are, if necessary, given military escort?