§ 21. Mr. Corfieldasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many accidents there have been involving Lightning aircraft of the Royal Air Force.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Air Force (Mr. Mer-lyn Rees)It would be contrary to long-established practice to publish detailed statistics of R.A.F. accidents. As regards the Lightning I can, however, say that its accident rate has been relatively low and compares well with those of both the Javelin and the Hunter.
§ Mr. CorfieldIn view of that reply, is it not abundantly clear that certain Press reports, notably in The Guardian, have been grossly exaggerated and have shown a marked lack of responsibility in undermining the confidence of those serving in the R.A.F., their relations and friends, and denigrating a very successful product of the British aircraft industry?
§ Mr. ReesI agree with the sentiments expressed by the hon. Gentleman. I stated that statistics are not published. It is very difficult for those drawing conclusions from non-existent statistics to get them right.