§ 26. Mr. GILBERTasked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to have an air station for aeroplanes upon the River Thames; if so, can he state what part of the river will be utilised for that purpose; if it is proposed to erect a proper pier or landing place for passengers arriving or departing from the river; will the aeroplanes who use the station be under the control of his Department or will the station be allowed to be used by commercial aeroplane companies; if the Government services will be utilised for Post Office mails; and what 139 steps have been taken in order that the ordinary navigation of the river shall not be stopped or interfered with?
The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Captain Guest)The answer to the first part of the question is, that the flights to and from the Thames which have recently taken place have been of a purely experimental nature, in order to determine whether the river could be used by aircraft. The answer to the second part is, that the stretch between Westminster and Albert Bridges is considered the most suitable portion. The answer to the third part is, that the erection of a special pier would be undesirable, and it appears probable that it will also be unnecessary. The answer to the fourth part is, that if it is eventually decided that aircraft may alight on and depart from this portion of the Thames, it is anticipated that the arrangements would, so far as possible, conform to those at Government-owned civil aerodromes. The answer to the fifth part is, that it is intended to adhere to the existing principle that the mails are carried by commercial services. The answer to the sixth part is, that the whole investigation of this question has been carried out in close co-operation with the Commissioner of Police and the Port of London Authority, in order that the safety of the public and the interests of other users of the river may be adequately safeguarded.