HC Deb 05 December 1951 vol 494 cc2388-9
Mr. A. G. Bottomley

(by Private Notice), asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to a serious accident which occurred at Chatham last night when 23 cadets were killed and others seriously injured. Whether it is his intention to hold a public inquiry into the matter and whether he has any report to make on it meanwhile.

The Minister of Transport (Mr. John Maclay)

Yes, Sir. I was greatly shocked to hear of this terrible accident and I would like to express my deep sympathy and I am sure that of the House with the relatives of the boys killed and injured as well as with the injured boys themselves. A message of sympathy has also been sent by the Admiralty. I propose to use my powers under Section 23 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, to hold an inquiry as quickly as possible into the accident. Meanwhile I do not think that it would be advisable for me to make any further comment.

Mr. Bottomley

While thanking the Minister for expressing sympathy on behalf of the Government, sympathy which I am sure is shared by the whole House, may I ask him to speed up the inquiry, in order to assist in alleviating the concern of the constituents of the hon. Member for Gillingham (Mr. Burden) and myself?

Mr. Attlee

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman the Prime Minister, as Minister of Defence, whether orders could be given that in all movements of troops lights should be carried in the rear of the column, which I think was done in the war?

The Prime Minister

I will certainly see that that matter is attended to.

Mr. F. A. Burden

Is the Minister aware that this tragic accident occurred in the Borough of Gillingham and not in Chatham, as was indicated in the Press and on the radio, and does not he think that at this stage it would be in the best interests of all concerned if this matter was left until after the inquest, until the police have completed their inquiries?

Mr. Maclay

I am aware, of course, that the accident took place in the Borough of Gillingham, but I have stated already that I propose to use my powers under the Road Traffic Act and the inquiry will have to be held as quickly as possible.

Several Hon. Members rose

—

Mr. Speaker

We are to have a public inquiry into this.