§ Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any information in connection with an aeroplane accident at Somersham on Tuesday, 6th October; how many people were killed, the damage done to property and the cause of the accident?
§ Sir A. SinclairThe findings of a court of inquiry, which are now under consideration, indicate that this regrettable accident was due to a fire in the aircraft caused by the ignition of a flare. The crew were compelled to bale out from the aircraft which was engaged on an operational flight, and which subsequently crashed in the village of Somersham, causing the death of 11 civilians and injuries to three others. Seven houses were destroyed. I am sure the House would wish to join with me in expressing sympathy with the relatives of those who lost their lives and with the injured.