HC Deb 13 December 1967 vol 756 cc422-3
41. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, in view of the recent three Shackleton air crashes of Coastal Command, what was the total overall recorded flight life of each of the three aircraft.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Air Force (Mr. Merlyn Rees)

There have been only two R.A.F. Shackleton crashes in the course of 1967. Both accidents occurred last month and the board of inquiry procedures are not yet complete. I should much prefer not to give the information requested at this stage because misleading conclusions might be drawn. These factors may prove to be entirely irrelevant to the accidents. I shall, however, be prepared to give this information in context when the results of the boards of inquiry are available.

Mr. Mills

Would not the Minister agree that these were disturbing accidents and that they point to the fact that these aircraft may be worn out? Will he not take steps to bring in the HS801 as quickly as possible?

Mr. Rees

The latter part of that supplementary question arises on the next Question. On reflection I feel that the hon. Gentleman will see that there is a board of inquiry investigating these accidents, and that it would be much better to wait until we have an authoritative report on the cause.