§ Mr. Cronin (by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will make a statement on the circumstances under which a Hastings Transport Aircraft crashed in Malaya yesterday.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. W. J. Taylor)A Royal Air Force Hastings aircraft of Far East Air Force crashed yesterday near Singapore while taking part in a routine supply dropping exercise. The crew of five and the eight soldiers who were in the aircraft were all killed. The cause of the accident is now being investigated by a board of inquiry.
I should like to express my sympathy and that of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War with the relatives of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.
§ Mr. CroninI join with the hon. Gentleman, on behalf of my right hon. and hon. Friends, in expressing our deep sympathy for the relatives of the fine young men who died in the performance of their duty. Will he undertake to make a further statement if any unusual circumstances emerge from the board of inquiry? This might be particularly desirable, as the Hastings aircraft has so far had a very good record.
§ Mr. TaylorIt is not the usual practice to publish either the report or the findings of such a board of inquiry, but if the board suggests any unusual causes or features of the accident I shall certainly consider the need for a further statement.