§ 4. Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for Trade when he expects the inquiry into the mid-air collision involving a civil Piper Aztec aircraft on 7th 9 January off the east coast of England to be complete.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisIt is impossible to forecast what problems the inspector's investigation will encounter in the course of the inquiry, but I am advised that the Chief Inspector of Accidents expects to be able to submit the report on the accident before the end of summer this year.
§ Mr. TebbitWill the Minister confirm that this will be a joint military and civil inquiry? May I remind him of the disquiet that has arisen because of the lack of publication of the military side of such inquiries? Will he ensure that on this occasion nothing will be concealed unless required by security?
§ Mr. DavisThis inquiry was undertaken by the Accident Investigation Branch of the Department of Trade and also by the Royal Air Force Board of Inquiry.
As the hon. Gentleman well knows, the report will be published wholly or in part unless, in the joint opinion of the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Trade, there are good reasons for that not being done.