asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, following on the admission to the National Union of Journalists last month that the supply of information to the Press in Scotland on Air Force matters is not altogether satisfactory, any steps have been taken to implement the promise given at that time to improve the position?

The arrangements for the supply of information to the Press in Scotland on Air Force matters are under review, and it is hoped to introduce improved arrangements very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what precautions are usually taken in the case of a flying accident in this country to see that the aeroplane is not in any way interfered with before an expert has had an opportunity of examining it; what steps are taken to collect all the information available as to the probable cause of the disaster, and to see that the dead bodies are dealt with with every respect?

Notification of an accident to an aircraft is normally received from the local police, who take immediate steps to prevent unauthorised interference with the wreckage. If a Royal Air Force aircraft is concerned, the officer commanding the nearest Royal Air Force unit posts a guard over the wreckage and arranges for the erection, where necessary, of a temporary rope fence and screen. All flying accidents involving fatalities to Royal Air Force personnel are the subject of official inquiry, including, where necessary, independent investigation by the Chief Inspector of Accidents. Investigation of accidents to civil aircraft is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Air Navigation Regulations, 1922 and 1925. The arrangements which are made for the guarding of the wreckage by the police and by Royal Air Force personnel are designed to ensure that due respect is shown to the dead.

Is the Minister aware that in the case of a recent accident none of these precautions was taken and that both the machine and the bodies were for a time a public exhibition? If I give the right hon. Gentleman particulars will he see that an inquiry is made?

I should be surprised if that were the case, but I will certainly look into it if the hon. Member will send me particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether steps will be taken to enable as many stations as possible to lay in a reserve stock of coal during the summer months?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will give the price at which De Havilland Tiger Moths were being sold to the Air Ministry and civil training schools in 1935, 1936, 1937 and 1938, and the price charged for them in 1939–40; whether this price includes all accessories; the value of such accessories; and whether these machines are still being purchased for service training in the United Kingdom and Dominions?

It is a long-standing practice to regard contract prices as confidential, and I regret therefore that I am not in a position to give the information asked for in the first and second parts of the Question. As regards the last part of the Question, De Havilland Tiger Moths are still being purchased for service training in this country and in the Dominions.

Is my right hon. Friend able to tell me whether the price of these machines is roughly double the price of two years ago?

No. Sir, exactly the opposite is the case. The latest price is a great deal lower than it was two years ago.