§ 7 and 8. Sir J. Lucasasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) with reference to the air accident on the Isle of Ischia on 8th March, 1947, what steps have been taken to obtain death certificates from the Italian authorities; what is the reason for the delay; and if he will take immediate action to obtain these certificates since the delay is causing hardship to the relatives;
(2) whether he is aware that 13 persons were killed in an accident to an Air Ministry Dakota aircraft on the Isle of Ischia on 8th March, 1947; that no death certificates have yet been issued by the Italian authorities; that the widows are unable to obtain their pensions and that no one can proceed with the settlement of the estates; and whether, in view of these circumstances, he will authorise the British Consul in Italy to issue death certificates pending action by the Italian authorities.
Mr. McNeilA report concerning this accident was received from His Majesty's Consul General at Naples on 8th April. Of the five civilians involved four were apparently British subjects. Certain documents and other property belonging to the deceased and found in the wreckage were sent to the next-of-kin on 12th April. The Italian authorities have so far refused, owing to the lack of essential information, to issue death certificates. It is unusual to register deaths of British subjects in the Consular Register of Deaths without the production of the local death certificates. His Majesty's Consul General, however, may be authorised nevertheless to register deaths on the receipt of applications from competent people who furnish the necessary information.