HC Deb 24 April 1968 vol 763 c225
12. Mr. Onslow

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to publish the results of his departmental inquiry into air safety matters.

31. Mr. Dobson

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what date the report of the departmental inquiry into air safety will be published.

Mr. Crosland

On 13th May. Copies will be placed in the Library.

Mr. Onslow

Will the Minister give the Horse an assurance that we can have an early and full debate on the subject after the publication of this report? would he say why he is now stopping the recruitment of air traffic control officers, who play a pretty important part in air safety matters?

Mr. Crosland

The question of a debate is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House. I would naturally welcome one. I do not follow the second part of the hon. Member's Question. If he would put it down separately I will look into it. I will write to him when I have made inquiries.

Mr. Dobson

It is very welcome news that the Department's report is coming out. If action is to be taken upon it, may we be assured that it will be taken very quickly indeed because of the summer pressure?

Mr. Crosland

Yes, certainly.

Sir Harmar Nicholls

Would the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the interest in this inquiry is much greater today than it would have been a fortnight ago? It would seem that the publishing of the results of the inquiry should be followed by an early debate to allay the general feelings which surround it.

Mr. Crosland

I am very much aware of the anxiety which exists. As the hon. Gentleman knows, I have gone well beyond the assurance given by my predecessor in deciding to publish the whole report and not simply the conclusions. I would welcome a debate, but that is a matter for the Leader of the House.