§ 30. Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied with the British participation in the inquiries into the crash of a DC10 airliner of Turkish Airlines in France on 4th March.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisYes, Sir. The French authorities invited the United Kingdom to appoint an observer to be present at their technical inquiry. This observer has had access to all pertinent information which has enabled the Civil Aviation Authority to be kept fully informed of the airworthiness aspects of the DC10.
§ Mr. WhiteheadWould my hon. Friend agree that, parallel to that inquiry, there should be an investigation into the reasons why the FAA was persuaded not to issue 28 an airworthiness directive to McDonnell-Douglas after a near-fatal accident two years ago? Should not the CAA and the Government Department concerned carefully monitor recommendations by the American NTSB?
§ Mr. DavisThe CAA has always carefully monitored these matters. In fairness to the authority, as in the statement of my right hon. Friend the other day, tribute should be paid to it for the work it has done. A general inquiry is now being embarked upon in Washington.