SHOREHAM Airshow disaster pilot Andrew Hill could hand over his statements to police if he chose, it has emerged.

On Wednesday police were blocked from getting the statements from air accident investigators, under rules designed to encourage pilots to speak openly to improve air safety.

However, the rules do not prevent Mr Hill from giving police his statements himself, published records show.

The latest memorandum between the Crown Prosecution Service and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) states: "Confidential statements or declarations made by a witness cannot be disclosed by the AAIB to any other party, including the police and the CPS.

"However, if a witness has provided a written statement or declaration, he or she will usually be given a copy of their statement or declaration and advised that he or she may share their statement or declaration with other investigators if they wish."

Phil Giles, a former air accidents investigators, said the rules would not prevent Mr Hill from giving police his statements, but that they may be of limited use to police as they would not have been taken under caution.

"Under the circumstances he would have to make a full statement to police, so not handing over other statements does not imply that he is trying to hide anything," he added.

Eleven men were killed when the Hawker Hunter piloted by Mr Hill at the Shoreham Airshow smashed into the A27 on August 22 last year.

Mr Hill was interviewed by police voluntarily under caution and in December officers told him he was being investigated for possible endangerment pursuant to Article 138 Air Navigation Order 2009 and also manslaughter by gross negligence.

Current laws state air safety investigation can take priority over a criminal one.

Denying police access to Mr Hill's interviews with the AAIB, Lord Justice Singh said at the High Court on Wednesday that doing so could have a "chilling effect" and deter pilots from speaking honestly to the AAIB about safety investigations.

MPs have called for a change in air accident disclosure laws, with shadow home secretary Andy McDonald telling The Argus it was "deeply concerning" that police officers were being hindered in their investigations.

The industry has hit back, however, with the pilots union the British Airline Pilots' Association strongly backing the High Court's decision.