§ 5. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement about the accident to the Victor aircraft.
§ Mr. SandysI have little to add to the full accounts which appeared in the Press. The accident occurred while the aircraft was carrying out instrument tests at low altitude over the airfield of the College of Aeronautics at Cranfield. The circumstances are being investigated by the Accidents Investigation Board, and the wreckage will be sent to Farnborough for examination.
The House will wish to join with me in expressing its sympathy with the relatives of the test pilot and three observers who lost their lives.
§ Mr. BeswickWhile appreciating that expression of sympathy and wishing to associate my hon. Friends with it, may I ask whether this unfortunate tragedy will have the effect of greatly delaying the production of this aircraft?
§ Mr. SandysIt is too soon to say until we have a report on the results of the inquiry. This was the first and only prototype, but a second prototype is due to be completed very shortly.