§ Mr. Emery(by Private Notice)asked the Minister of Aviation whether he would make a statement on the fatal air collision over Reading on Sunday 4th November.
§ The Minister of Aviation (Mr. Julian Amery)Yes, Sir. A mid-air collision occurred yesterday afternoon about two miles south of Reading. A two-seater Chipmunk aircraft belonging to the Royal Air Force and a three-seater Beagle Terrier aircraft belonging to the Airways Aero Club were involved. The five occupants of the two aircraft were all killed.
My Chief Inspector of Accidents has started an investigation. The Royal Air Force is co-operating in this.
The House will, I know, wish to extend their sympathy to the relatives of those who lost their lives.
§ Mr. EmeryMay I be allowed, also, to express my sympathy with the relatives of those who were killed?
I should like to ask my right hon. Friend four questions. Was either of the aircraft on the circuit of White Waltham or under the London air traffic control? It is reported in the Press that at the time of the collision these aircraft were at 400 ft. Can my right hon. Friend confirm whether that is true, or whether either of the aircraft had permission to do aerobatics? Can he say how 603 experienced were the pilots of these aircraft; and will he give an assurance that the report of the investigation will be made public?
§ Mr. AmeryNeither of the aircraft was under control from the ground, and in the air space where they were there was no need for them to be so. I cannot give any information about height or on the question of aerobatics until the inspector has investigated. We have no information beyond what we have seen in the Press, and we cannot confirm this from our own information.
These were dual-controlled aircraft, so I am not sure who was at the controls at the relevant moment, but there were qualified, experienced instructors in both aircraft.
The question of publication will be dealt with in the ordinary way, in accordance with the normal procedure.