§ Brigadier Prior-Palmerasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will make a statement with regard to the disappearance of a Lancaster aircraft carrying A.T.S. personnel and Nursing Sisters which left Glatton aerodrome on the night 3rd–4th November, Naples bound; if he will notify next-of-kin officially and so relieve their anxiety; and why news of the disappearance was released to northern papers 18 days before the Press in the south.
§ Mr. StracheyThe hon. and gallant Member no doubt refers to the accident on 4th October. There was no such accident on the night of 3rd–4th November. He may be aware of the statement made by my Noble Friend in another place on 28th November about this tragic accident. A full investigation into this accident is proceeding, and my Noble Friend will make a further statement. The next-of-kin of the casualties were notified as soon as possible. Peacetime arrangements for 2289W the public announcement of accidents to passenger-carrying aircraft have now come into force.