32. Dr. Bennettasked the Minister of Aviation what steps he is taking at the International Civil Aviation Organisation and otherwise to ensure that in inquiries into aircraft accidents full investigation is made into the causes of death, injury or survival of individual victims, and that this information is published in the reports of such inquiries as being of equal importance to the aeronautical findings.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe recent meeting of the Accident Investigating Division of the International Civil Aviation Organisation in Montreal at which the United Kingdom representative took a leading part, made recommendations which we support and which included proposals for investigating and reporting on survival and aero-medical aspects of aircraft accidents. These recommendations will be considered later this year by the Air Navigation Commission and afterwards by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Dr. BennettSuch a report is certainly welcome, but does the hon. Gentleman know that an aeroplane will be just as dangerous to its passengers if it crashes into water a quarter of a mile offshore or if it goes over 400 miles before crashing? At present, the requirements for dinghies apply only to aircraft travelling at least 400 miles. Is this included in the material which is being considered now?
§ Mr. StonehouseThis is being considered. We shall certainly bear that consideration in mind.