HC Deb 02 December 1936 vol 318 cc1242-4
29 and 30. Mr. PERKINS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air (1) whether there is an adequate meteorological organisation for a night air service at Gatwick Aerodrome; and whether any alterations are proposed;

(2) whether there are any trained meteorological observers at Gatwick airport; and whether any alterations are proposed?

The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)

The Gatwick airport is connected directly by teleprinter line with the meteorological station at Croydon and regularly receives from that station the weather forecasts and reports required by scheduled air services whether by day or night. There are at present no trained meteorological observers at the Gatwick airport itself, but as part of a general scheme for improving meteorological facilities two will be posted as soon as they can be trained.

Mr. EVERARD

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is a strong feeling among pilots that aerodromes from which regular air liners start at night should have the finest equipment it is possible to have?

Sir P. SASSOON

The equipment at Gatwick for night flying is perfectly adequate. It had been decided several months ago to post two trained meteorological observers to this airport, but, as the hon. Member knows, the expansion scheme has made greater demands on trained men.

Mr. EVERARD

Has not the right hon. Gentleman had any communication from any association of pilots to show that Gatwick aerodrome is not in any way satisfactory?

Sir P. SASSOON

On the contrary. The information that I have is that the pilots at Gatwick consider the existing arrangements to be eminently satisfactory.

31. Mr. PERKINS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to instal an adequate cloud projector for measuring cloud heights by night at Gatwick aerodrome?

Sir P. SASSOON

I understand that the owners of Gatwick airport have decided to instal a cloud projector for determining the height of low cloud.

Mr. PERKINS

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that the Air Ministry should take the initiative in getting these things installed, and not wait for this to be done?

Sir P. SASSOON

This is a private aerodrome belonging to a private company: It has been open only five months, and the owners of the airport have concentrated on first essentials.