§ 63. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will seek to incorporate in international rules a minimum altitude at which passenger-carrying machines on the London-Paris service shall cross the English Channel?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIt is not practicable, owing to the variability of atmospheric conditions, to lay clown a minimum altitude below which aircraft must not fly when crossing the English Channel. I may add, however, that higher flying, that is. above rather than below the clouds, will be gradually promoted by the development of aircraft instruments to facilitate navigation in fog.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIs the hon. Gentleman not aware of the variability of atmospherical conditions which makes a minimum altitude necessary?
§ Sir P. SASSOONAll pilots prefer to fly above the clouds rather than below. Owing to the variability of the atmosphere it is not always possible to fly above the clouds.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWould it not be possible to fix a limit below which pilots must not fly?
§ Sir P. SASSOONNo.
§ Sir HARRY BRITTAINWould the hon. Gentleman arrange for aerial police-traps for pilots?