§ 14. Captain HAROLD BALFOURasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what representations had been received by the Air Ministry as to danger to aircraft from the height and position of the radio beacon at Croydon airport before the recent accident caused by an aircraft colliding with it; by whom and on what date such representations took place; what action, if any, was taken as a result; and if any further action is now contemplated as a result of the accident?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)My hon. and gallant Friend was good enough to postpone his question at my request, and I have in the meantime had occasion to reply to a similar question on the same subject on Monday. My reply was, briefly, to the effect that following on representations made in October last the whole matter was very fully discussed with all concerned, and certain technical investigations put in hand. I may add that the orders have now been issued for the immediate reduction of the height of the beacon to a maximum of 35 feet. Work has been begun to-day.
§ Captain BALFOURMay I take it that even if this accident had not happened, the present action would have been taken by the right hon. Gentleman's Department?
§ Sir P. SASSOONCertainly, we had decided it would be taken.
§ Mr. SIMMONDSMay I ask whether there have been any similar representations about Air Ministry aerodromes which have not yet been dealt with?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI must have notice of that question.