HC Deb 07 February 2000 vol 344 c32W
Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many RAF aircraft crashed in United Kingdom airspace in 1999. [108359]

Dr. Moonie

Eight.

Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason there were more crashes of RAF aircraft in 1999 than in 1998 and 1997; and if he will make a statement. [108360]

Dr. Moonie

The number of RAF aircraft accidents in 1999 went against the trend in the accident rate, which has been one of overall decline over the past 10 years. Fluctuations in this trend have occurred before, and we will be looking carefully to see whether there is any significance in last year's pattern of accidents. Initial investigations into the accidents have shown no common causal link.

Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will initiate an inquiry into the reasons for the higher incidence of crashes of RAF aircraft in 1999; and if he will make a statement. [108362]

Dr. Moonie

As is normal practice, a RAF Board of Inquiry has been convened to carry out a full investigation and establish the cause of each crash. Once all the Inquiries have been completed, their reports will be scrutinised in depth to see whether any overall causal link may be established. Initial investigations indicate no common cause.