§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from the Master of the Guild of Air Pilots following the investigation into the circumstances of the crash of Papa India, and alleging that matters irrelevant to the inquiry were discussed; what reply he has sent; and whether he intends to overhaul the constitution and terms of reference of such inquiries.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineThe master has made representations, which I am considering, on a number of aspects of the Papa India inquiry and the present public inquiry system generally, including the suggestion that this type of inquiry should be abandoned. He made no reference to the relevance of subjects raised during the hearings. I think we can rest content that the learned commissioner was satisfied with the relevance of the matters he permitted to be discussed before him. I have told the master that I consider there will be occasions in the future when, in the public interest, it will be appropriate for there to be a public inquiry. It is as yet too early to decide whether, in the light of the recent inquiry, any changes to the accident investigation regulations will be required.