§ Mr. Channon (by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the accident at Southend airport yesterday in which two people lost their lives.
§ The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu)A Viscount belonging to Channel Airways crashed at Southend Airport yesterday afternoon during take-off on a test flight made in connection with the issue of a British certificate of airworthiness. The aircraft collided with a hut, two of the occupants of which were killed and the third seriously injured. No passengers were being carried in the aircraft and none of the three crew sustained serious injury. The accident is being investigated by the Accidents Investigation Branch of the Board of Trade.
The whole House will, I know, wish to join with me in expressing sympathy with 742 the relatives and friends of those who lost their lives as a result of the accident.
§ Mr. ChannonMay I associate myself with the Minister's expression of sympathy with those injured and with the relatives of those killed in this tragic accident?
Is he aware that this is the first fatal accident at Southend Airport and that until now it has had a wonderful safety record, which reflects great credit on those who work and fly from there? However, does he realise that it is next door to a large residential area, so that any accident of this kind is bound to cause concern to people in the neighbourhood? Will he therefore arrange for the inquiry to report as speedily and as publicly as possible?
§ Mr. MallalieuI am well aware of the safety record of Southend Airport. We will certainly get the inquiry through as quickly as we can and publish a report.