§ 37. Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if the board of inquiry investigating the crash at Newmarket of a USAF F111 aircraft has completed its inquiries; and if he will make a statement covering the cause of this accident, remedial action being taken in regard both to this type of aircraft and the flight patterns used by USAF and RAF over this part of East Anglia, and claims for compensation by local residents affected by the crash.
§ Mr. WellbelovedI understand that the USAF board of inquiry has not yet finished its investigation. When the results are available I shall consider making a statement. In the meantime, I would not wish to anticipate the findings and any recommendations that might be made concerning remedial action. Any aspect of the accident which might have a bearing on flight patterns in East Anglia will, 157W I am sure, be taken into account by the investigating authority.
I can, however, add that the USAF has assured me that the recent restrictions placed on the flying of F111 aircraft were to enable inspections to be made because cracks had been found in the engine casings of a number of aircraft. This was not connected with the recent accident. As for claims for compensation, those concerning damage to property should be addressed to the Property Services Agency. Any other claims should be sent to the Claims Commission, Ministry of Defence.