§ 81. Mr. Rankinasked the President of the Board of Trade what conclusion he has formed about the cause of the disaster 579W to the Comet 4 airliner off the Turkish coast three months ago, as a result of the investigation carried out by his Department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu:As a result of his investigation, in which the Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment has taken a leading part, the Chief Inspector of Accidents is satisfied that there is now conclusive evidence of the detonation of a high explosive device within the aircraft cabin. It appears that the damage caused by the explosion created an out-of-control condition and subsequent break-up of the aircraft. Because of the complicated and protracted nature of some of the work which has been necessary, reports on which are still being prepared, the final report of the investigation of the accident is unlikely to be available before the spring.