HC Deb 29 January 1958 vol 581 cc348-9
11. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Secretary of State for Air what instructions have been given to crews of aeroplanes carrying hydrogen or atom bombs in case of emergency involving the danger of crashing.

Mr. Ward

On the infrequent occasions referred to yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence in his reply to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Hall) aircrew are given comprehensive instructions about action to be taken in emergency.

Mr. Chetwynd

Would it not dispel some of the anxiety if details of those instructions could be given so that people could know that in the rare event of an accident they would have the maximum of protection?

Mr. Ward

These are verbal instructions which would vary with the nature of the flight.

15. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for Air why the latest edition of his Department's publication entitled "Rescue from Crashed Aircraft" does not give instructions for dealing with nuclear weapons carried in aircraft.

Mr. Ward

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given him yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

Mr. de Freitas

Is the Secretary of State aware that many people found that reply most unsatisfactory? Surely, the Service and civilian first-aid and civil defence authorities must be told what they should do in the event of a crashed aircraft and a rescue from it.

Mr. Ward

There are already comprehensive instructions dealing with crashed aircraft generally, and these are kept under review and amended from time to time in the light of developments.

Mr. de Freitas

Is it not the fact that there is no instruction which covers an aircraft carrying a nuclear weapon?

Mr. Ward

As the hon. Member was informed yesterday, in view of the slight nature of the radiation risk, it has not been considered necessary to issue any special instructions.