HC Deb 14 July 1954 vol 530 c464
18. Sir R. Perkins

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, in the light of the recent criticism of the report into the accident to a Comet aircraft at Rome in October, 1952, he will revise the investigation procedure in connection with aircraft accidents.

Mr. Profumo

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has decided to extend the existing criteria of a court investigation to include accidents in which it may appear from the preliminary report of the Chief Inspector that such measure of blame may be attached to an individual as seriously to prejudice his career.

Sir R. Perkins

Is my hon. Friend aware that I should like to thank him for that rather satisfactory answer? Will Captain Foote be able to make use of this new proposal?

Mr. Profumo

No, Sir; not directly, because changes of regulations of this sort cannot be made retrospective.