HC Deb 05 November 1979 vol 973 cc34-5W
Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in the light of the crash of a Dan-Air 748, the civil version of the Andover, in July, he is satisfied with the safety of the Queen's Flight.

Mr. Pattie

Yes.

Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what were the results of the safety checks on the Andover aircraft of the Queen's Flight, following the Shetlands crash of a Dan-Air 748 in July.

Mr. Pattie

Checks on certain points of the flying controls of all RAF Andovers, including those of the Queen's Flight, were carried out in conformity with the mandatory check bulletin issued by the manufacturers after the Dan-Air accident. No defects were found.

Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now consider replacing the Andover aircraft of the Queen's Flight.

Mr. Pattie

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Thanet, East (Mr. Aitken) on 10 July—[Vol. 970, c.123.]