§ 28. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Air what changes have been made in his arrangements for the air trooping of the families of Service men as a result of the findings of the inquiry into the crash of the Scottish Aviation's York aircraft in Malta last February.
§ Mr. de FreitasDoes not the Minister intend to make permanent the temporary ban imposed on the use of these old York aircraft for air trooping? Did not this inquiry disclose that the aircraft was not only overloaded but, quite clearly—as many people had suspected for a long time—was incapable of performing effectively if one engine failed on take-off?
§ Mr. BirchI cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman's reading of the report. I think the report shows that the primary cause of the accident was a pilot error. As the hon. Gentleman knows, another 384 court of inquiry is considering another accident, and I will make my decision when I have the report of that court of inquiry.
§ Mr. de FreitasBut, until then, does the temporary ban still continue?