HC Deb 04 May 1922 vol 153 cc1536-7
12. Mr. L. MALONE

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the arrangements for communication by wireless telegraphy with aircraft flying on the London-Paris route are far from satisfactory and that improvements in the wireless telegraphy facilities would considerably increase the efficiency of the route and minimise risks of accidents; and whether the Air Ministry was represented at the recent international wireless telegraphy conference in Paris?

The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Captain Guest)

The answer to the first part of the question is, that I am satisfied that the arrangements made in England for communication by wireless telephony with aircraft flying on the London-Paris air route are complete and efficient, but I am aware that the wireless arrangements are not so satisfactory on the remainder of the route to Paris. The urgent necessity of arranging wireless facilities on the French part of the route has been recommended by us to the French authorities on several occasions, and it is understood that wireless stations have actually been established at St. Inglevert and Le Bourget, but, up to the present, these are not functioning satisfactorily. Within the last few days, in connection with the recent air collision in France, the Air Ministry has again approached the French authorities on this subject, and I hope that the difficulties will now be overcome by them and the wireless stations put into working order. The answer to the last part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. The Air Ministry representative was the head of the British delegation.

Mr. MALONE

Is it not a fact that the recent collision on the Paris-London air route would have been avoided if proper facilities for wireless telegraphy had existed?

Viscount CURZON

Is it not a fact that during the last few days one of the machines on the London-Paris route was saved by the use of wireless telegraphy?

Captain GUEST

I think the hon. Members will see from the reply that the utmost efforts are being made to improve the French section of the route.