§ 40. Mr. Sumnerasked the Minister of Aviation how many accidents there have been to civil aircraft using Biggin Hill airfield; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RipponSince February, 1959, when this airfield was opened to civil aircraft, eleven accidents have been notified. Eight of these occurred on the airfield itself and were not serious. All but one involved light aircraft. Of the serious accidents, a report on one will be published shortly, and the recent accident is under investigation. In the third case, the pilot flew unexpectedly 882 into fog. No pattern emerges from these accidents calling for any special action.
§ Mr. SumnerOne's sympathies go out first and foremost to the relatives of those who have been killed flying these aircraft. Will my hon. Friend say whether he is satisfied that everything possible is done to reduce danger to lives and property of residents in what is a very highly populated district?
§ Mr. RipponI appreciate the concern caused by these accidents. As I said, they do not follow any particular pattern, and there is nothing to suggest that the airfield or its facilities are in any way inadequate.