HC Deb 07 December 1981 vol 14 cc273-4W
Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will place in the Library a copy of the report on the near miss between a Boeing 747 jumbo jet and an Andover of the Queen's Flight on Friday 27 November near Heathrow; and what action is being taken to avoid a repetition.

Mr. Sproat

No. Reports of investigations undertaken by the joint airmiss working group (JAWG) of the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) contain references to information obtained from pilots, air traffic controllers and others closely concerned. In order that the greatest possible safety benefit can flow from such investigations it is essential that those involved provide full and frank descriptions of the circumstances which led to the incident. To achieve this objective, statements are given in confidence and contributors are aware that this degree of protection is provided.

It is considered by NATS that the release of these reports would prejudice the working of the system and could lead to a future lack of co-operation from interested parties without which the development of air safety measures would be hampered. The conclusions and recommendations of JAWG investigations are already widely disseminated to members of the aviation community. All reports of JAWG investigations are forwarded to the Controller NATS who considers, in consultation with the Ministry of Defence and the Civil Aviation Authority when appropriate, what remedial action is desirable.