HC Deb 27 October 1952 vol 505 c1572
42. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the method and extent of redundancy in the Aeronautical Inspection Directorate and of the number of jet aircraft crashes taking place, he will give an assurance that this Department can operate efficiently with such a depleted technical staff.

Mr. Sandys

No reduction in the technical staff of the Aeronautical Inspection Directorate has been made.

Mrs. Braddock

Will the Minister make further inquiries, because my information is that this Department has been cut severely? In view of the fact that it is responsible for the maintenance of and attention to jet aircraft, would it not be dangerous if the staff were depleted to the extent which it is suggested it has been?

Mr. Sandys

The hon. Lady is quite correct about the importance of the Department. I am quite correct in saying that no cuts have been made.

Air Commodore Harvey

Is it not wrong to say that this Department is responsible for the maintenance of jet aircraft when it is only responsible for investigation?

Mr. Sandys

For inspection.