With the start of your evidence sessions later this week, I thought it might be timely and helpful if I set out briefly the Ministry of Defence's position regarding the finding of the RAF Board of Inquiry into the Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre in 1994. I attach a Memorandum which does that.

  Since the crash, the Department has looked in detail at this issue on a number of occasions. Each new Defence Minister has looked carefully at the facts and each has supported the Air Marshals' findings. Each time a particular issue has been raised, Ministers have been fully briefed. I am confident that nothing new has been raised which casts doubt on the original finding.

  The RAF Board of Inquiry process is founded on statute. Those who contribute to its conclusions do so on the basis of their specialist skills and experience. I am satisfied that this particular Board of Inquiry was properly conducted in accordance with procedures that existed at the time. The reviewing officers, who were able to draw on their own considerable professional experience before reaching a judgement, considered all the available information. They were also very aware of the high standard of proof required in reaching their decision. I recognise that others may later disagree with that judgement—but that alone would not be a sound basis on which to disturb their conclusions.

  I am pleased that you have asked Air Chief Marshal Day and Sir William Wratten to give evidence. It is important that they should be given the opportunity to state their case in public for the first time. I have been keen to ensure that your Committee has been offered every assistance. I understand that it is usual practice for Ministers to appear before Select Committees to set out their Department's position. I could arrange that in this case if you and your fellow members would find it helpful.

Geoffrey Hoon

Secretary of State for Defence

25 September 2001