§ 21. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what has been the average number of aircraft in his Department's fleet at Stanstead; what is the total number of flying hours flown by the unit over the past four years; and in how many accidents of all kinds these aircraft have been involved over the same period of time.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe average number of aircraft employed during the last four years has been 17, and the average number of hours flown annually per aircraft has increased from 330 to 490. During that period there has been one accident substantial enough for notification under the Accident Investigation Regulations: in addition, there have been five minor incidents.
§ Mr. BeswickThe Minister will know that an accident can be an accident without coming under the purview of the investigating committee. In view of the comparatively few hours these aircraft have flown, would it not appear that there would be quite a number of what the right hon. Gentleman has described as minor accidents? Will he look into that?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI shall not bother the House with the list of accidents, although I have it in front of me, but I will give it to the hon. Member, who will see that they are of a minor character.
§ Sir W. WakefieldIn view of the low rate of their utilisation, would it not be advisable to dispose of these aircraft?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThat is not so, because these aircraft are used in calibration and on checking of radio aids near major airports. Therefore, a great deal of time is spent in preparatory work before the aircraft does its actual flight. I have looked into this question most carefully, and I am satisfied that, if we are to maintain our safety standards which I regard as of overriding importance, these aircraft must go on being used.