§ Mr. Murray (by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the helicopter collision at Chattenden Barracks this morning.
§ The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Denis Healey)The accident referred to occurred this morning at Chattenden Barracks, Kent, between two Army helicopters. I regret to say that the two pilots and the passenger in one of the helicopters were killed.
An immediate inquiry will be held.
§ Mr. MurrayI am sure that my right hon. Friend would want to pass on the sympathy of the House to the relatives and colleagues of those killed in Army 1411 service, which, even in peacetime, is still very dangerous.
Would my right hon. Friend say whether the findings of the inquiry are to be made public? Will he further say whether he considers that the safety instructions regarding the use of helicopters, particularly over built-up areas, are adequate?
§ Mr. HealeyI am sure that the House would agree with my hon. Friend in wishing to express our sympathy to the next-of-kin of those concerned.
As to publishing the results of the board of inquiry, I would like to consider that matter. If it seems to be in the public interest to do so, I will certainly do so.
On the questtion of the safety regulations governing the use of helicopters, I have no reason to believe that they were not observed on this occasion. This is one of the matters which the board of inquiry will be investigating.