asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any information has yet been received regarding the aircraft reported missing on 8th February from Hullavington to Malta, and regarding the fate of its occupants.

Yes. After a protracted search, in which the Royal Air Force and the French rescue authorities took part, the wreckage of this aircraft, which was engaged in an overseas navigation training flight to Malta, was found on a mountain peak in Southern France after the snow had cleared. I regret to say that the crew of six and the one passenger had sustained fatal injuries.The usual court of inquiry was assembled and the president and the technical member of the court visited the scene of the crash. It has been found impossible to establish the cause of the accident, but there are indications that the aircraft was off course before the accident occurred.I am sure that the House will join me in extending deep sympathy to the relatives of the deceased airmen.