83. Mr. E. P. Smithasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation why an inquiry is being held now into the Dakota crash on 11th 203W January, at Stowting, Kent, when some of the survivors, although eminently suited to give evidence, are not sufficiently restored to health to testify; and if he will give an assurance that their evidence subsequently will be taken, recorded and duly considered.
§ Mr. LindgrenMy noble Friend is of opinion that he would not have been justified in delaying the investigation until all the injured survivors were in a fit state of health to give evidence, as the delay involved might have been considerable and it was in the public interest to proceed forthwith. The only surviving member of the crew has, however, made a statement, and statements have been obtained from nearly every surviving passenger. These have been considered by the Chief Inspector of Accidents and such extracts or statements as were of value have been read in the course of the proceedings while one survivor has been called to give evidence.