HC Deb 17 May 1956 vol 552 cc195-6W
71. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many lives were lost in the last twelve months in accidents to passenger-carrying aircraft operated by the nationalised air Corporations and private airline operators, respectively.

Mr. Watkinson

During the past twelve months, accidents to Corporation aircraft carrying passengers for hire or reward resulted in the loss of fifteen lives. The corresponding figure in respect of independent airline operators was fifty-three. Of course, no valid conclusion can be drawn from a comparison based on so short a period; for example in the twelve months ended June, 1955, the figures were—Corporations, 28, independent companies. nil.