§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has now completed his review of the circumstances that led to the unauthorised take-off of an American aircraft from Mildenhall Air Force Base, and if he is satisfied that all possible steps have been taken to prevent a further incident of this kind; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HealeyI have now had from the United States Air Force authorities a detailed account of this unfortunate incident. We have been taken very fully into their confidence on the conclusions they have reached and the measures they have now taken to reinforce existing procedures for the safeguarding of aircraft. It is clear from the facts given us that the incident was the outcome of highly exceptional circumstances. The American authorities have taken it, nevertheless, as the occasion for a detailed review and overhaul of their security procedures. These procedures remain the responsibility of the United States Air Force; but I am well satisfied with the evident care which they have taken to examine the circumstances of the incident and to draw appropriate conclusions from it.