§ 3. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Secretary of State for War if he has investigated the circumstances in which 23403701 Trooper A. C. Corstorphine, National Service man, was killed in Germany on 14th March; what training this National Service man had received before being allowed to drive a motor vehicle; whether he was accompanied by a driving instructor at the time of the accident; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AmeryTrooper Corstorphine was a learner driver with about 35 hours' experience. On 14th March he was authorised to carry out practice driving in a scout car carrying "L" plates. He was accompanied by a qualified driver acting as his instructor. In approaching a corner his car left the road and overturned. The instructor was thrown clear, but Trooper Corstorphine was fatally injured.
I should like to express to the parents of this soldier my deep sympathy with them in their bereavement.
§ Mr. YatesDoes the Minister realise that very great distress has been caused by the knowledge—which seems to be somewhat different from what the Minister said—that the vehicle the man was driving was a heavier one, and further that the length of time he had been driving was not very long and that it is customary to be accompanied by a learner-driver, not a driver? That is why very great distress has been caused.
§ Mr. AmeryAs I said, Trooper Corstorphine was by no means a beginner. He had 35 hours' driving experience. This was a practice run on which he was accompanied by an experienced driver.
§ 4. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Secretary of State for War if he has examined the file copy of the letter addressed to Mr. Corstorphine, 256, Great King Street, Hockley, Birmingham, by Royal Armoured Corps Records, dated 15th March, 1958, confirming the death of his son, Trooper A. C. Corstorphine, in Germany; and whether he will consider introducing a more appropriate letter of sympathy on such occasions.
§ Mr. AmeryThe letter was sent on a Saturday, when the Records Office was closed except for two members of the staff on duty. To avoid delay at weekends, it had been arranged that the duty staff should confirm casualty telegrams if the need arose by sending a standard, duplicated letter with the details completed in manuscript. Although this was done with the good intention of reducing delay, these makeshift form letters are quite unsuitable.
My right hon. Friend regrets that one was sent to Mr. Corstorphine and he has given instructions that they shall not be used again.
§ Mr. YatesI thank the Minister for that Answer, which I am sure will give some comfort to the people, especially those with relatives in the Forces, in case such tragedies happen in future. A letter which is partly typed and partly written in ink is calculated to give deep distress. I much appreciate the Minister's decision to make this change.
§ Mr. AmeryI have explained the circumstances, and I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising the Question.