HC Deb 19 March 1969 vol 780 cc461-2
4. Mr. G. Johnson Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to publish the report of the inquiry into the Gatwick Airport disaster of 5th January, 1969.

Mr. William Rodgers

The Chief Inspector of Accidents will let us have his report as soon as possible and it will be published without delay. We shall, of course, be ready to act meanwhile on any information that comes to light with safety implications.

Mr. Johnson Smith

That is not very satisfactory. When is "as soon as possible"? When the Minister considers the report, will he also consider reinstating precision approach radar equipment or a modified version of it so that these facilities are in use as they are at London Airport; and, if not, why not?

Mr. Rodgers

In everybody's interests it is most important that this investigation should be thorough. It is proceeding just as fast as possible. As I have said previously, our review of the relative advantages of precision approach radar and I.L.S. must be without prejudice to the inspector's findings.

Sir J. Vaughan-Morgan

When the report is published, will the hon. Gentleman consider receiving a deputation from Members of Parliament whose constituencies are in the neighbourhood of Gatwick and representatives of associations and residents who have been deeply concerned at the risks which they incur in the kind of circumstances which existed when this accident happened?

Mr. Rodgers

Yes. When the accident report is available I shall be very happy to discuss it with as many Members as wish to see me.

Mr. Onslow

In view of what the Minister said in his reply about safety factors, can he assure the House that he is pressing on with the maximum speed with his review of precision approach radar and not waiting for action until he reads the report on the accident?

Mr. Rodgers

Certainly. This review is going on now. We should not wait for the accident report. I informed the hon. Member for Orpington (Mr. Lubbock) yesterday that we are making some changes as regards the operation of foreign aircraft. These will again be without prejudice to the outcome of the inquiry.