HC Deb 02 July 1952 vol 503 cc397-8
1. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation what international arrangements there are for facilities covering long-distance flights over barren territory, having in mind the recent air accident in the Sahara.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. R. Maudling)

It is the responsibility of the sovereign state concerned to provide adequate navigational aids and facilities for search and rescue within its territory. All these facilities are planned and agreed internationally, and are reviewed at Regional Meetings of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Mr. Dodds

In view of the great suffering of the passengers and crew of a Hermes aircraft that had to land in the Sahara, will any representations be made to this international body in an effort to see that in future helicopters will be much more readily available?

Mr. Maudling

As I think the hon. Member knows, this particular accident is being investigated by the Chief Inspector of Accidents. I think it would be wrong of me to make any sort of statement in advance of the receipt of his report, but certainly the point that the hon. Member has made will be considered.

Air Commodore Harvey

Will my hon. Friend undertake to make a statement to the House when the inquiry is completed, because there is considerable concern that the aircraft was 1,300 miles off its course? Will he do that at the earliest opportunity?

Mr. Maudling

I shall certainly raise that matter with my right hon. Friend when the report is received.

Mr. Mikardo

Do the terms of reference of the inquiry to be carried out by the Chief Inspector include the question of rescue facilities available, or are they concerned only with the causes of the accident?

Mr. Maudling

I am afraid that I was not accurate in my reply to the first supplementary question. The inquiry is, of course, carried out by the French authorities, but the Chief Inspector, or one of his representatives, will be present as an observer for this country. The responsibility for the inquiry as to the cause of the accident, like the responsibility for rescue, rests with the State in whose territory the crash takes place.

Mr. Rankin

What reserve supplies of food and water are carried in aircraft on flights of this type?

Mr. Maudling

I am afraid I should want notice of a question like that.