HC Deb 25 March 1964 vol 692 cc454-5
20. Mr. Milne

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will introduce legislation to make more effective the safety standards applied to aircraft which are resold, following their use by the nationalised air Corporations.

35. Dr. A. Thompson

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he will take steps to make more effective the safety standards applied to aircraft sold by the nationalised air Corporations to other operators; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Marten

Under the existing legislation exactly the same safety standards apply for the continuing airworthiness of a transport aircraft, irrespective of whether it is operated by the Corporations or an independent operator.

Mr. Milne

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that many of these are bought by private airlines when they are approaching the end of what is termed their safe fatigue life? Is he further aware that the opinion is held throughout the industry that the private airlines are greatly inferior to the nationalised lines in the maintenance of craft and in their readiness to withdraw or divert machines from service? Will he not consider that this sort of thing needs examination, because there is growing disquiet throughout the industry that private lilies lag behind the nationalised lines in their readiness to divert and land at another field when landing conditions are hazardous at the intended airport? Is he aware of this? Will he give greater examination to this problem than appears to have been given to it by the Ministry in the past?

Mr. Marten

In answer to the last part of the supplementary question, if an accident occurs involving diversion of a flight it is subject to complete inquiry, and if it is abroad we take part in that inquiry, and give it very careful attention. As regards the last part of the supplementary question, all aircraft, whether they be Corporation aircraft or aircraft belonging to private airlines, have the same safety standards.

Dr. A. Thompson

Would not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that this is a question of the planes being further advanced in what is called their safe fatigue life? It becomes more important for planes operating in hazardous geographical and weather conditions. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that there is disquiet among pilots and aeronautical engineers about this. Would he start by making inquiries, with information relevant, with the Air Registration Board?

Mr. Marten

These things are constantly under study by the Air Registration Board itself.