HC Deb 11 February 1931 vol 248 cc394-5
39. Captain BALFOUR

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to a recent accident caused by a civil light aeroplane colliding with overhead high-tension wires at Dagenham; what steps have been taken to minimise the danger to aircraft from this cause by means of marking or lighting the pylons of such systems to render them visible from the air; and if, as a result of this accident, any further developments in this direction can be speeded up?

Mr. MONTAGUE

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question the feasibility of measures for the purpose of marking or lighting overhead cables is under discussion with the Electricity Commission.

Captain BALFOUR

Can the hon. Member say when the Electricity Commissioners and the Air Ministry will come to a decision in the matter?

Mr. MONTAGUE

No. We have asked the Electricity Commissioners to expedite their answer.

Mr. MUGGERIDGE

As this accident occurred in my constituency, will the Under-Secretary assure me that there will be no flying there, and that the inhabitants will be properly safeguarded from danger from the air?

Mr. MONTAGUE

As much is being done in that direction as can be done. I should like to take the opportunity of saying that it would be very desirable if municipalities would earmark land for aerodrome purposes, even if there is no immediate prospect of development. It would help very considerably.

Sir G. HAMILTON

Will the hon. Member bear in mind that there are telegraph wires all over the country, and will he let the House know what the cost of this proposal will be before he adopts it?

Mr. MONTAGUE

I think at the present stage it is very largely a matter of reasonable agreement between the Electricity Commissioners, the Air Ministry and the municipalities.

Sir G. HAMILTON

Is there any advantage in safeguarding the Electricity Commissioners' cables if you do not safeguard every telegraph cable in the country?

Mr. MONTAGUE

I do not think the positions are altogether comparable.

Sir G. HAMILTON

Absolutely.