HC Deb 18 December 1956 vol 562 cc1098-9
49. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that ten weeks have elapsed since the crash at London Airport of the Royal Air Force Avro Vulcan bomber; that a comprehensive statement has not yet been made covering the circumstances of the accident; and whether he will have a study made of the procedure of inquiries into air accidents when both Service and civilian Departments are concerned.

The Prime Minister

I understand that Dr. Touch, who has been conducting the further inquiry, has submitted his report and that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air is hoping to make a comprehensive statement on this accident before the House rises. As regards the last part of the Question, I am discussing this suggestion with my right hon. Friends but, as the hon. Gentleman will recognise, there are obvious difficulties.

Mr. de Freitas

I know there are difficulties, but is the Prime Minister not aware that, among the general public and in the aviation world, there is considerable anxiety about the procedure, which is too lengthy, especially when matters affecting the safety of our principal airport is involved? Will he look very carefully to see whether the procedure cannot be speeded up?

The Prime Minister

I agree that there is anxiety and that the procedures take some time. With the hon. Gentleman's knowledge of these things, I think he will understand the reason for that. My right hon. Friend is to make a statement, probably on Thursday, and go into this matter in full detail. I ask the hon. Gentleman to wait for that statement.

Mr. Hunter

Is the Prime Minister not aware that there is considerable alarm among people who live around London Airport over the long delay in publishing the report of the inquiry or in the Secretary of State's making a statement? Will he bear in mind that the large population around London Airport is vitally concerned?

The Prime Minister

I do not know that is so, and I understand the reasons for that anxiety. When my right hon. Friend makes his report, which will be before the House rises—I have already discussed the terms of it with him—I think the hon. Gentleman will understand the reasons for the delay.