§ 34. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that, before a British certificate of air worthiness is issued for an aeroplane or seaplane manufactured abroad, it must be completely stripped for examination in addition to the usual tests and surveys; that this entails expense on a purchase and is sufficient to prevent, effectively such purchase in nearly all cases; and whether he will consider ordering a relaxation of this regulation in order that certain types of foreign aircraft may be admitted for experimental purposes by private individuals?
§ Sir P. SASSOONAs the answer is a rather long one, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask the hon. Baronet if he has considered the fact that improvements in designs of aircraft throughout the world are continuing, and that anything that hampers the latest designs being purchased and being brought to this country is an impediment to our advance?
§ Sir P. SASSOONYes, Sir, we have no desire to do anything of that kind, but we have certain difficulties which the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows full 1840 well. We hope that before long to get over those difficulties.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI do not want to press the hon. Baronet, but is he aware that the present regulations act as a deterrent, and as a kind of tariff preventing the most recent machines being brought over here?
§ Sir P. SASSOONWe hope to get over that difficulty before very long, and if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will read my main answer he will see what is being done.
§ Following is the answer:
§ British certificates of airworthiness are not issued in respect of aircraft manufactured abroad owing to the impossibility in their case of giving effect to the requirements of the Air Navigation Regulations concerning the approval of design and the inspection of workmanship and materials. The regulations, however, provide for the acceptance as valid in this country of certificates of airworthiness issued by foreign Powers, and as soon as the international minimum conditions governing the issue of certificates of airworthiness have been adopted by the International Commission for Air Navigation, such certificates issued by States who are parties to the International Air Convention will normally be rendered valid without question when the aircraft have been purchased by a British owner. Pending the adoption of these international minimum standards some physical examination of the aircraft is necessary before a foreign certificate can be rendered valid. Special permission may, however, under existing regulations, be given in certain circumstances for flight for experimental purposes in this country of foreign-built aircraft purchased by British subjects without their certificates being rendered valid.