HC Deb 11 July 1956 vol 556 cc381-2
22. Mr. Ledger

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied that there is no negligence at the Horsham St. Faith Royal Air Force Station in the giving of instructions on safety precautions to be observed when carrying out the cleaning of petrol tankers; and whether he will make a statement in connection with the death of Junior Technician Lewis.

Mr. Birch

I am satisfied that appropriate safety precautions are now in force. The court of inquiry held into Junior Technician Lewis' death established that Lewis and other airmen had been using canister type respirators when inspecting petrol tankers at this station, instead of the remote breathing apparatus prescribed by regulations. On the day of his death Lewis had been given instructions merely to remove the manhole covers, but he entered the tanker before it had been drained and vented, and without a "safety man" standing by with a life-line. In these circumstances, there would have been a serious risk even if he had been wearing a remote breathing apparatus.

Mr. Ledger

I thank the Minister for that Answer, but is he aware that since 1953 a number of airmen have done a similar job unassisted? This appears to have been a practice at this air station, and will he take steps now to see whether or not the N.C.O.s in charge during that period are carrying on their jobs with the same negligence as they showed then? I feel that only then will the parents of young men in the Air Force be assured that the right hon. Gentleman is taking all the precautions necessary

Mr. Birch

Yes, certainly. Steps have been taken to tighten up the regulations everywhere.