§ Mr. Barry Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make representations to the Belgian civil aviation authorities about the findings of the recent inquest at Gosport into the deaths of Robert Windship and Leonard Tebbutt when a light aircraft flown by an unlicensed Belgian pilot crashed into their boat on 30 April; and what action he proposes to urge upon the Belgian authorities;
(2) if he will take steps to bring to the attention of the Civil Aviation Authority the findings of the recent inquest at Gosport into the deaths on 30 April of persons killed when a light aircraft flown by an unqualified pilot crashed into their boat; and what steps will be taken to ensure that in future only properly qualified pilots are permitted to enter United Kingdom air space.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe Chief Inspector of Accidents has ordered an inspector's investigation to be carried out into this accident. The Belgian accident investigation authorities are involved in the investigation and an accidents investigation branch (AIB) report will be published once the investigation is complete. Additionally42W an AIB bulletin giving a summary of the circumstances of the accident will be published at the end of August. I will send a copy to my hon. Friend then.
The Civil Aviation Authority is being kept fully informed.