§ 45. Mr. de Freitasasked the Prime Minister whether he will now make a statement on changes in the procedure of inquiries into aircraft accidents when both Service and civilian Departments are concerned.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)The procedure is under review, but it is not yet possible to make a statement.
§ Mr. de FreitasWill the Prime Minister look at his predecessor's Answer and see what can be done to speed matters up? Is he not aware that at present it is most unsatisfactory to have the Service authorities blaming the civilian authorities and the civilian authorities blaming the Service authorities, the confidence of both being undermined, in a serious matter such as the Vulcan crash?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, but as the hon. Gentleman, with his experience, will know, there are a number of complex and difficult points involved. We are taking up this question as rapidly as possible, but I am afraid that it may be some little time before a final statement can be made.