HL Deb 01 March 1949 vol 161 cc1-2

2.35 p.m.

LORD CHERWELL

My Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Swinton, I beg to ask His Majesty's Government whether they are now in a position to make any statement on the future use of the Tudor IV aircraft.

THE MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION (LORD PAKENHAM)

My Lords, shortly after the disappearance of the "Star Ariel," I invited the noble Lord, Lord Brabazon of Tara, to inquire into the design and construction of the Tudor IV aircraft in relation to safety and airworthiness, and into any other relevant matters. Lord Brabazon, to whom I am most grateful for conducting this inquiry, has now communicated to me the interim results of his inquiries, and I have also received the preliminary report of the Chief Inspector of Accidents.

Neither of these investigations discloses the probable cause of the disaster, just as no probable cause was found when the "Star Tiger" disappeared a year earlier. Had it been possible to determine a definite actual cause which could have been remedied, I feel that the aircraft might have continued to carry passengers; but as this was not the case, and taking account of the psychological reactions of the travelling public, I have regretfully come to the conclusion that this type of aircraft should not continue to be used for carrying passengers, a conclusion with which the Chairman of B.S.A.A. fully agrees. Subject to certain modifications, it will be possible to use these aircraft for freight carrying purposes, and plans are being made for their use, in the first instance, on the Berlin air lift. This decision immediately raises the question of aircraft to replace the Tudors on B.S.A.A.'s routes, and this matter is under consideration.

LORD STRABOLGI

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend, who is aware that I have had many successful flights in these excellent aircraft, whether we may take it that the Report shows there is no truth in the rumours, which he knows are prevalent, that there was sabotage?

LORD PAKENHAM

My Lords, I have no reason whatever to suppose there was sabotage, but in other respects I would rather not add to the statement I have just made.

LORD CHERWELL

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his answer.

Back to