HC Deb 06 February 1957 vol 564 cc417-8
13. Mr. Hunter

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the recommendations in the report of the special investigation by Dr. A. G. Touch into the Vulcan bomber crash at London Airport on 1st October, that military aircraft should not land at civilian airports under bad weather conditions, have yet been considered; and what instructions have been issued to carry out this recommendation.

Mr. Ward

Dr. Touch's recommendation related only to military aircraft of advanced design. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and I have agreed that any proposals involving such aircraft will be specially considered by the two Departments in the light of the flight characteristics of the aircraft, the familiarity of the crew with civil procedures, and the suggested weather limits for landing.

Mr. Hunter

Arising out of that reply, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will have the matter speeded up for early decision? Is he aware that this was a special recommendation by Dr. Touch, and that this is a vital matter for the large civilian populations living round London Airport and near other civilian airports? If the right hon. Gentleman can speed up a decision, I shall be much obliged.

Mr. Ward

As I have said, agreement has already been reached between my right hon. Friend and myself.