§ 47. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that at Bowden Hill, Wiltshire, on 7th February, a large area of the countryside was cordoned off and the Queen's highway closed by orders of American officers after an air crash; what arrangements have been agreed with the United States authorities with regard to measures to be taken by them after such accidents; and if he will discuss with them future methods by which the minimum disturbance may be caused to civil rights and by which access may be granted, in particular, to journalists on similar lines to those agreed between the Air Ministry and the National Union of Journalists.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Hugh Lucas-Tooth)The report my right hon. and learned Friend has received from the chief constable does not bear out the suggestion that any large area of the 1359 countryside was cordoned off or that any highway was closed. He understands that for a short time there was a ban on taking photographs, but that this was soon lifted. While my right hon. and learned Friend does not think that this incident shows that the arrangements with regard to the photographing of crashed United States aircraft give rise to serious difficulties, he is considering whether any modification in these arrangements should be suggested.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that when the crash occurred, and journalists presented themselves for the purpose of taking photographs, as they usually do with the agreement of the Ministry, they were prevented from doing so by a foreign Power, which had cordoned off the area of the crash? Will he take steps to give the same facilities to journalists in areas occupied by Americans as he does when one of our own planes is involved?
§ Sir H. Lucas-ToothI assure the hon. Gentleman that the Wiltshire police were present throughout. There is no question about them being there at all times. There was a period of about an hour when the taking of photographs was prevented, and my right hon. and learned Friend has that matter under consideration.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that the National Union of Journalists have an arrangement with the Ministry that photographs are taken which, if necessary, are submitted for examination before publication? Will he give the same facilities where American forces are concerned?
§ Sir H. Lucas-ToothAs I have already said twice, my right hon. and learned Friend is considering whether any amendment of these arrangements should be suggested.