§ 16. Mr. Hunterasked the Minister of Aviation how many emergency warnings have been given this year at London Airport in connection with the take-off and landing of aircraft.
§ Mr. MartenEmergency warnings can be given either after an accident has occurred on take-off or landing or when an aircraft in flight is known or is thought to have got into difficulties. Since January this year there have been three emergency warnings after aircraft accidents, 64 under the full emergency procedure and 243 local standby warnings.
§ Mr. HunterDoes the hon. Gentleman's Department hold an inquiry after every incident? Is he aware that on 6th November a Canadian jet airliner was allowed to take off in thickening fog and that it came down just after take-off in a field only 300 yards from some houses? Who was responsible for allowing an aircraft to take off from London Airport when there was thickening fog?
§ Mr. MartenWe hold inquiries when accidents occur. That case is the subject of an inquiry and I do not wish to comment on it at this stage. Of the 64 incidents under full emergency procedure, all happily made safe landings.