Oral Answers to Questions — Air Accident, Croydon (Minister's Correction)

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 5 Chwefror 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr George Lindgren Mr George Lindgren , Wellingborough 12:00, 5 Chwefror 1947

May I make a statement of correction? On 27th January, in reply to a private notice Question of the hon. Member for Mid-Bedford (Mr. Lennox-Boyd), I stated that the Dakota aircraft which crashed at Croydon on 25th January was operating on the register of the Union of South Africa. That statement, made on the information then before me, was incorrect, and it has since been ascertained that the aircraft was operating on the register of the Government of Southern Rhodesia. I apologise to the House for having given it incorrect information, and to the Government of the Union of South Africa that it should have been mentioned when it is in no way concerned.

Photo of Mr Alan Lennox-Boyd Mr Alan Lennox-Boyd , Mid Bedfordshire

Appreciating what the hon. Gentleman has said, and the correction that he has made, may I ask whether he has any further information whether the inquiry is to be held by the Southern Rhodesian Government, and what facilities His Majesty's Government have given for the holding of such an inquiry?

Photo of Mr George Lindgren Mr George Lindgren , Wellingborough

Arrangements for the inquiry are a matter for the Government of this country, in association with the Government of the country in which the aircraft was registered. Consultations are now proceeding, as was stated in answer to a Question yesterday, between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Southern Rhodesia, as to whether the inquiry, which will be held, will be in public or in private.