§ 60. Mr. Bennasked the Minister of Civil Aviation when he expects a full report from the Italian Government on the Hermes air crash off Sicily on 24th August last year; what steps he is taking to review the safety regulations as a result of that crash; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe report of the investigation ordered by the Italian Government is expected shortly. The circumstances of this accident have been fully considered in the review of safety regulations which is constantly being undertaken by my Department and the position will be re-examined when the official report is received.
Meanwhile, as a result of information immediately available on this accident, action has already been taken by the Air Registration Board to introduce modifications to the aircraft type and to life saving equipment.