HC Deb 28 March 1956 vol 550 cc2155-6
Mr. McKibbin (by Private Notice)

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he has any statement to make about the incident yesterday morning when an Elizabethan Airliner bound from Belfast to London suffered a near-collision with an R.A.F. Vampire jet fighter over Daventry.

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Christopher Soames)

Shortly after 10 o'clock yesterday morning a Royal Air Force Vampire aircraft from Little Rissington flying at 9,500 ft. very nearly collided with an Elizabethan aircraft of British European Airways which was on its way from Nutts Corner airfield in Northern Ireland to London Airport. Both pilots took evasive action. A Royal Air Force court of inquiry has been convened to investigate the incident. I understand that as a result of the airliner's maneouvre five of those travelling in it sustained injuries for which they are at present detained in hospital, and I know that the House will wish to join with me in expressing regret at the suffering caused to them.

Mr. McKibbin

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply and welcoming the setting up of a court of inquiry, may I ask whether he is aware that the public in Northern Ireland is greatly concerned about this incident and the possibility of further incidents if Royal Air Force pilots are allowed to fly in close proximity to the corridors used by British European Airways?

Mr. C. Pannell

On a point of order. Do you not consider, Mr. Speaker, upon reflection, that this Question is an abuse of the Private Notice Question procedure?

Mr. Speaker

I do not think so. I took it all into consideration.

Mr. Soames

The incident occurred in a civil aviation airway. Royal Air Force planes are permitted, within certain very stringent rules and regulations, to fly within these airways. The court of inquiry which has been set up will reveal whether those rules and regulations were adhered to.

Mr. Bellenger

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the court of inquiry to pay particular attention to whether the Royal Air Force kept within the lines laid down by civil control and whether the Royal Air Force is not a law unto itself? Is the Minister further aware that this is not the only incident of a near-miss, and that something ought to be done to ensure safety for civil aeroplanes from the Royal Air Force?

Mr. Soames

I do not want to prejudge the findings of the court of inquiry, which will show whether the rules and regulations laid down were adhered to and whether in fact they need tightening up.

Mr. C. Pannell

Further to the point of order which I just raised, Mr. Speaker. Does this Question not establish a precedent, and may I ask whether, in future, we are to have cases where one bus narrowly misses another bus made the subject of a Private Notice Question? It is quite fantastic.

Mr. Speaker

There must be differences of opinion on these matters of discretion. I considered this matter and I thought it was just suitable for a Private Notice Question, in view of the season of the year, the amount of interest caused and the safety measures involved in it. All these things have to be taken into consideration. The hon. Gentleman's opinion may differ from mine, but I cannot help that.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Will the findings of the court of inquiry be made public?

Mr. Soames

The court of inquiry itself is not held in public, but my right hon. Friend will certainly consider whether it is advisable to publish the findings.