§ 25. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Air the policy governing the notification of local authority fire brigades of crashes of Royal Air Force and United States aircraft.
Mr. WardR.A.F. and U.S.A.F. stations maintain close liaison with local fire brigades. Accidents to Service aircraft are always attended by representatives of the Service authorities. Aircraft accidents on airfields are normally dealt with exclusively by Service firemen but the civil fire brigades may be summoned if additional help is needed. If an aircraft crashes away from an airfield, civil fire brigades may be notified by the Service authorities, the civil police or the public, depending on the circumstances.
§ Mr. de FreitasIs the Secretary of State aware that present Government policy prevents local fire brigades being trained to deal with aircraft carrying nuclear weapons when they crash? Will not the Government reverse this policy, balancing public safety against the very natural considerations of security?
Mr. WardThis matter has been very fully dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, who is responsible. He dealt with it on 4th February and I have nothing to add to what he said.