HC Deb 12 May 1959 vol 605 cc1045-7
51. Mr. G. Brown

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the light of the recent crash in Turkey of a British aeroplane carrying Government equipment to the Woomera Rocket Range, he will cause a review to be made by the Departments concerned of the practice of sending personnel and equipment by this route and in chartered aeroplanes of this type.

The Prime Minister

The planned route for this flight is an internationally recognised one. The circumstances of the accident are being investigated, and arrangements about the further use of the route will be decided when the results are known. In the meantime another route is being used for these flights.

Mr. Brown

Does not the Prime Minister think it remarkable that we should be sending just about our most secret equipment in just about the oldest planes we can find, by the most mountainous route, and as close to Russia as we can arrange it? Does he not think that even by the standards of his administration it is a rather remarkable piece of incompetence?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. This route has been covered successfully and is one which is generally recognised. The Tudor aircraft have been in service and have been passed as suitable aircraft. No damage has been done. It has not been possible to recover the material but it has been possible to destroy it.

Mr. Brown

Yes, Sir, but is not the Prime Minister aware that had it fallen a few miles, comparatively speaking, one way, it would have fallen into the hands of the Soviet Union and we would not have had a chance to destroy it? Secondly, why do we not use Transport Command for this purpose? Why do we charter twenty-year old aeroplanes?

The Prime Minister

Transport Command is used to carry some of the stores and equipment required at Woomera. It is, however, convenient to use charter aircraft in addition, partly because of the claims upon Transport Command and the need to maintain its flexibility.

Mr. Gaitskell

But whilst it may be convenient, is it not extremely risky to use charter planes on this route? Would the Prime Minister at least give an undertaking that no further charter planes will be used for this purpose on this route? [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]

The Prime Minister

No, Sir, I could not give that undertaking, but I will give an undertaking to look most carefully at this matter which, of course, has occupied my attention.