HC Deb 26 January 1995 vol 253 c369W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he plans to announce the findings of the final report into the crash at Coventry airport.

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 24 January 1995]: After the formal investigation is complete, probably this year.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations his Department received about the issue of licences for landing and taking off of freight operators from Coventry airport, and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 24 January 1995]: Three hon. Members have written to Ministers about the licensing procedures for flights by freight operators from Coventry airport. No letters from the public have been received on this subject. Two telephone calls have been received on the general issue of livestock flights.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce his findings regarding the issuing of the licences for air freight quotas at Coventry airport and the airworthiness of the aircraft.

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 24 January 1995]: There is no air freight quota licensing system in this country. However, under article 88 of the Air Navigation Order 1989 and non EEA airline operating a public transport flight for the carriage of passengers or cargo to or from the United Kingdom must obtain a permit from the Secretary of State for Transport. My right hon. Friend has ordered an investigation into certain flights from Coventry airport last year and this is expected to be concluded soon. The question of further action will be decided once the outcome of the investigation has been considered.

In addition, the air accidents investigation branch of this Department is carrying out a formal investigation into the crash on 21 December under the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents) Regulation 1989. The AAIB will examine all issues having a bearing on this accident, including the airworthiness of the aircraft. A special bulletin detailing the initial facts established by the investigation was issued on 6 January 1995. It is expected that the final report will be published later this year.