§ 54. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if a decision has yet been made with regard to the future use of the Comet I aircraft now owned by the British Overseas Airways Corporation.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterA decision, which is of course primarily for B.O.A.C., will be taken in the light of the findings of the Court of Inquiry into the Comet accidents.
§ Mr. BeswickIf we have to wait for the findings of the Inquiry into the Comet accidents, why has the decision been taken that eight or nine Comet IIs should be taken over by the Royal Air Force? In view of the fact that large sums from public funds are involved, can the Minister give an assurance that there will be a full statement about the settlement in this matter after the Inquiry's Report has been published?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThis Question, as the hon. Member will appreciate, refers to the Comet I aircraft in the possession of B.O.A.C.; but I have little doubt that if, after publication of the Report, a Question is put down to the appropriate Minister, we will probably be able to clear up any points that are bothering the hon. Member.