HC Deb 17 December 1952 vol 509 cc201-2W
92. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation by what means he assures himself that all foreign aircraft flying over United Kingdom territory are adequately secured against liability for damage to third parties on the surface, to the limits agreed in the Rome Convention.

Mr. Profumo

The Convention on Damage caused by Foreign Aircraft to Third Parties on the Surface, recently completely at Rome, lays down a detailed procedure whereby contracting States can satisfy themselves that this liability is adequately secured by insurance or other forms of security.

I have at the moment, however, nothing to add to the replies given by my predecessor when he answered the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Heston and Isleworth (Mr. R. Harris) on 12th November.

93. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation the extent of liability, in sterling, for damage caused by foreign aircraft weighing 20,000 kilogrammes and 50,000 kilogrammes, respectively, to third parties on the surface; and how these sums compare with the liability to which aircraft operators were limited in circumstances defined in the Warsaw Convention.

Mr. Profumo

Under the Warsaw Convention liability for damage is limited to approximately £2,937 in respect of each passenger and about £2 15s. per lb. in respect of registered luggage and goods. Liability for damage to third parties on the surface is not limited at present in this country, but in the Surface Damage Convention recently completed at Rome the liability attaching to aircraft of the weights mentioned is limited to about £144,000 and £252,000 respectively, with a maximum liability per individual killed or injured of about £12,000.