Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Astor of Hever (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 22 March 2010.

Defence: Nimrod Crash

Question: My Lords, we on these Benches send our condolences to the families and friends of Captain Driver, Corporal Hardy and Private Grigg of the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment. During the Nimrod Statement, the noble Lord said that he could not comment on these two officers because of a separate police investigation into two senior serving Royal Air Force officers. What is happening to this police investigation and what is the connection with the officers mentioned by the noble Lord, Lord Ramsbotham?

Answer: My Lords, I did indeed say that I could not comment for that reason. It is perfectly true that there is a general connection and that that could become a problem. However, on reflection, I think we have to say that quite honestly it is not appropriate to elaborate on the Haddon-Cave report, and we do not think it useful to second-guess that inquiry. I cannot comment on what will happen with these cases. They are in the hands of the Royal Air Force Police, to which they were directed following consultation with the Director of Service Prosecutions. I can say no more until the cases come to court or are dropped.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 718 c751
Session: 2009-10
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Defence Accidents Expenditure Peacekeeping operations Afghanistan Defence Logistics Organisation Nimrod aircraft Nimrod Review Pledger, Malcolm Cowan, Sam
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk