HC Deb 07 November 1960 vol 629 c649
47. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Aviation if his attention has been called to the case of a young gliding instructor at the London Gliding Club who was recently killed, with his pupil, at Dunstable Downs, at whose inquest it was revealed that he had for some years suffered from epilepsy; and whether he will inform such clubs that all instructors must pass a rigid health test before taking up such employment.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)

This tragic accident has been brought to my notice, and discussions on its implications are taking place with the British Gliding Association.

Mr. Janner

In view of the very serious effect of ale illness that this unhappy man suffered, will the Parliamentary Secretary see to it that no person suffering from epilepsy shall be allowed to fly gliders? That should certainly have been one of the questions asked at the time the inquiry was made.

Mr. Rippon

At the present time no powers exist to direct gliding clubs or individuals to impose these health tests. Naturally, this is one of the matters which we shall be discussing carefully with the British Gliding Association.