HC Deb 11 April 1960 vol 621 cc876-7
30. Mr. J. Howard

asked the Minister of Aviation how many flights the captain of the Dakota aircraft G-AMZD, which crashed on Montseny Peak, Spain, on 19th August, 1959, had made from London to Barcelona and back, either in charge of an aircraft or in a subordinate capacity.

Mr. Rippon

The operator has informed us that since the captain joined their service in 1956 he had not made any such flights. He had, however, passed the tests required by the regulations as to his knowledge of the route, including the terrain, and the air traffic and navigational facilities.

Mr. Howard

May I ask my hon. Friend two points arising out of his reply. First, I understand that even though pilots may have an adequate briefing, B.E.A. still demand that a supervisory captain should be carried on this route if the captain of an aircraft has not previously flown to Barcelona. Is my hon. Friend satisfied with the existing regulations in that respect? Secondly, in view of the fact that a very large number of people travel by charter aircraft from this country to Spain and elsewhere on holiday, would my right hon. Friend assure himself that the regulations are being properly observed, and also satisfy himself that no new regulations are required in order to increase the safety standard?

Mr. Rippon

We are satisfied that the existing regulations are proving generally satisfactory, and we do take steps to see that they are observed. There is a difficulty in regard to non-scheduled flights in making quite the same provisions as the hon. Member has referred to.

36. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory nature of the investigation into the accident to aircraft number G-AMZD, a Trans-Air DC3, in Spain, the report of which was issued recently by his Department in a translation from the Spanish; and whether, in view of the loss of this British aircraft with all on board, he will consider publishing a more detailed report which will help to explain the events that led to the accident and which will allocate responsibility for it.

Mr. Rippon

No, Sir. This accident was investigated by the Spanish authorities in accordance with international agreement, and I have no reason to believe that any further report would throw more light on its causes.

Mr. Goodhew

Does not my hon. Friend feel that much greater publicity should be given to the results of this investigation, and some effort made to allocate responsibility, in the interests of public safety?

Mr. Rippon

The report in this case has been published and is available.