HC Deb 06 May 1959 vol 605 cc392-3
52. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what request he had from the British Air Line Pilots' Association to see a copy, or relevant sections of the copy, of his inspector's report on the Prestwick accident to the Viscount aircraft so that they could more usefully advise the captain of the aircraft how best his interests could be safeguarded; what was the date of this request; and what reply he gave.

Mr. Watkinson

On 9th January, 1959, the Secretary of B.A.L.P.A. wrote to the Chief Inspector of Accidents asking if the Association could be permitted to see the Accident Report. It has never been the practice for the Chief Inspector to show anyone a draft of the Report, which under the Regulations he is required to make to me. He was, therefore, quite right to refuse to comply with this request. I would remind the House that in accordance with Regulation 7 (5) of the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations, 1951, the Chief Inspector had already given notice on 20th October, 1958, to Captain Hankin of the terms in which he proposed to attribute responsibility to him so as to enable him to exercise his rights under these Regulations. The British Air Line Pilots' Association was informed that this had been done.

Mr. Beswick

While the Minister made it quite clear during the Adjournment debate that both Captain Nankin and B.A.L.P.A. knew of the pilot's rights in this matter, is it not quite clear that the rights were not adequate to safeguard the pilot's proper interests? How can he safeguard his own position and justify his own action unless he is allowed to see the evidence which has been tendered against him? In the review which he is making on accident procedure, will the Minister ensure that provision is made in the procedure which will look after the pilot's position in this regard?

Mr. Watkinson

I do not necessarily disagree with that at all, as I said in the Adjournment debate. This is a matter which needs looking at again. We have been looking at it for some time to try to see that we give pilots every opportunity to defend themselves, particularly where their jobs and their livelihoods may he involved. I would add that it is my responsibility and that of my Ministry to see to the safety of every passenger who travels in the air, and that is also a responsibility which I must fulfil.

Sir L. Heald

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Report contains criticisms of the pilot which had not been indicated to him in the letter which has been referred to?

Mr. Watkinson

We debated this matter fully some time ago. I then told my right hon. and learned Friend that I was quite satisfied that we had carefully fulfilled the Regulations, and I remain of that opinion. On the wider issue, I have already explained that we are looking at the matter.

Mr. Beswick

The Minister has made the point that he is responsible for the safety of the passengers. Will he bear in mind that the safety and the best interest of the pilots are identical with those of the passengers? There is nothing of a conflict here at all. Secondly, is the right hon. Gentleman going to make a statement about these new inquiry regulations before he lays them before the House?

Mr. Watkinson

I undertook to bring this matter to the House when I have made up my mind what will be the best way to handle the matter.